At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage inventory processes and ensure smooth distribution of books.
- Company: Join Penguin Group, a leader in publishing with a creative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on creativity and diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that influences the publishing process.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory management and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We are looking for an Inventory Controller to join the Penguin Group Publishing Operations team on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis in London. The Inventory Management team collaborates with colleagues within Publishing Operations and across Sales, Production, Finance, and our Publishing Houses to maintain the correct stock levels for every one of our titles throughout their lifecycle. The team plays a critical role in managing relationships with our distribution colleagues and our external partners to ensure the efficient distribution of our books.
The role involves managing the day-to-day inventory requirements for a portfolio of titles, helping to maintain appropriate stock levels and availability. This is a busy and varied role, with great opportunity to learn, develop, and support multiple colleagues across the wider Inventory team.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing Inventory processes for Print on Demand titles
- Ordering stock imported from Group Companies
- Working with Sales Operations and Production to set up Local Prints for Group Companies
- Managing Inventory reserves and reporting on Out-of-Stock titles
- Managing the Non-Trade inbox and setting up bespoke printings
- Releasing customer orders from our Order Management System, including stock for independent shops and Amazon
- Maintaining price grids for Group Territories
- Attending meetings and actioning reprints for the team as needed
- Running weekly and monthly reports to track information
- Carrying out other ad hoc team support when needed
- Cross-skilling with other Inventory Management colleagues to provide optimal team support
- Contributing to system improvements and testing across inventory processes
What you will bring:
- We are looking for a team player with excellent logistical skills who can multi-task whilst maintaining attention to detail.
- Experience of inventory, stock management, supply chain or a comparable operational environment.
- You will need to work well under pressure to meet deadlines and be able to prioritise your workload effectively.
- You must be able to demonstrate a high level of competency with Excel, and the ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.
- You’ll have a proven ability to influence process changes so having some experience of working in a data heavy role will help you to adapt quickly into this role.
- The ability to make decisions independently and communicate your reasoning clearly and confidently.
- Experience of working with data and using it to make accurate, time-sensitive decisions.
- An understanding of the publishing process and how Inventory works alongside Sales, Production and Finance.
- Confidence in working with multiple systems and interpreting information from different sources.
- Experience with inventory or reporting systems such as SAP, Biblio or Business Objects.
Application instructions:
Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 23:59 on Sunday 15th November 2026.
Salary: The salary for this opportunity will be c.£32,000 depending on how your experience and skills align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
Hybrid working: For this role we expect that you’ll work from our Embassy Gardens office a minimum of 3 days per week during the probationary period, moving to 2 days a week after probation.
Inventory Controller (12m FTC) in London employer: Penguin Random House UK
At Penguin Random House Children's, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters creativity and collaboration within a vibrant new imprint dedicated to children's publishing. Our London-based team offers a dynamic work culture where your ideas are valued, and you have the opportunity to grow alongside passionate colleagues in a supportive environment. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, we empower our employees to thrive while making a meaningful impact on young readers' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inventory Controller (12m FTC) in London
✨Get to Know the Local Scene
Temporary roles in logistics and supply chain often rely on local connections. Visit local businesses or warehouses and introduce yourself! You'd be surprised how often work is filled through word of mouth, so put yourself out there.
✨Leverage Industry Events
Look for trade shows, logistics expos, or supply chain seminars happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and often feature companies looking for temporary staff. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
✨Be Ready to Flex Your Skills
In temporary roles, employers want people who can easily adapt. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory management systems or logistics software—anything that can show you're ready to jump in right away. It will make you stand out!
✨Apply through Our Website!
Don't forget to check our listings at StudySmarter! We often have great temporary roles in logistics and supply chain that you can apply for directly. Getting your application in through our site is a solid step towards landing your next gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Inventory Controller (12m FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Logistics Know-How:When applying for a Inventory Controller (12m FTC) in logistics and supply chain, make sure to highlight your relevant skills such as inventory management, procurement knowledge, and experience with logistics software. Tailor your CV to show any specific projects or coursework you've completed that relate to the field—specifics matter!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, it's important to showcase your flexibility in your cover letter. Employers want to know that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to changing priorities, so share examples of previous roles where you've shown this adaptability.
Include Certifications and Training:If you have any relevant certifications like a Forklift License or training in supply chain management, make sure these are front and centre in your application. They really can set you apart in the logistics field, especially for a temporary role where employers may prefer someone who's ready to jump straight into the task at hand.
Why You Want This Role:In your cover letter, express why you're interested in this temporary position at Penguin Random House UK. Use it as a chance to show your enthusiasm for the logistics field and how this experience will help you grow professionally. Remember, it’s about more than just the job—show us you're keen to learn and make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Random House UK
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental supply chain concepts, like inventory management and logistics strategies. Since this is a temporary role, having a quick grasp of these basics can set you apart and show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you solved logistics challenges. Interviewers love hearing how you approached issues like delays or order discrepancies, so come prepared with a couple of solid examples that highlight your critical thinking skills.
✨Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As a temporary candidate, we need to demonstrate adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can quickly integrate into different teams and handle diverse tasks. This can really showcase your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like logistics.
✨Get Familiar with Logistics Tools
Familiarise yourself with common supply chain management software, such as SAP or Oracle. Mentioning these tools during your interview can impress your interviewer at Penguin Random House UK and demonstrate your readiness to engage with their systems right away.
