Inventory Controller in Kent

Location: Gatwick HQ & Crawley Factory

Reports to: Head of Operations

Function: Production | Manufacturing | FMCG | Operations

Salary: Competitive

About STYRKR

STYRKR is a performance nutrition brand creating clean, science-backed supplements for endurance athletes. In addition to our own products, we run a growing contract manufacturing business across powders and liquids. With in-house production and a strong vision, we are scaling fast — and we need a hands-on Production Manager to lead operations on the factory floor.

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Inventory Controller to manage and optimize inventory across our fast-paced FMCG environment within the endurance sports nutrition sector. This role is responsible for end-to-end inventory control covering supplier management, raw materials and finished goods stock control, and Sales-to-Operations (S&OP) inventory flow alignment. The successful candidate will ensure high service levels, optimal stock holding, strong supplier performance, and efficient inventory movement from procurement through to fulfillment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier & Procurement Inventory Management
  • Monitor and manage supplier performance including lead times, order accuracy, fill rates, and compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Maintain accurate raw material and packaging inventory levels to support production schedules.
  • Coordinate purchase orders based on demand forecasts and production plans.
  • Track inbound shipments and resolve supply disruptions or delays proactively.
  • Conduct supplier performance reviews and support cost optimization initiatives.
  • Ensure proper documentation, batch traceability, and quality compliance for all incoming goods.
• Raw Materials & Components Inventory Control
  • Maintain optimal stock levels of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and components.
  • Set and manage safety stock, reorder points, and minimum order quantities.
  • Perform regular stock reconciliations and cycle counts to ensure system accuracy.
  • Minimize waste, expiry risks, and obsolescence — particularly for perishable or regulated nutritional ingredients.
  • Support new product launches by coordinating inventory readiness with procurement and production teams.
  • Analyze usage trends and forecast consumption to prevent stockouts or overstocking.
• Finished Goods Inventory Management
  • Oversee finished goods inventory across warehouse(s) and distribution channels.
  • Ensure accurate inventory records across ERP/WMS systems.
  • Monitor sell-through rates and adjust replenishment strategies accordingly.
  • Manage batch control and expiry tracking in line with FMCG best practices.
  • Optimize inventory turnover and reduce slow-moving or obsolete stock.
  • Collaborate with logistics partners to maintain accurate dispatch and inventory records.
• Sales-to-Operations Flow (S&OP Alignment)
  • Align inventory planning with sales forecasts and promotional activities.
  • Participate in S&OP meetings to ensure production plans match demand projections.
  • Identify risks related to demand spikes, seasonality (e.g., race seasons), and product launches.
  • Provide inventory reporting and insights to Sales, Marketing, and Finance teams.
  • Ensure smooth order fulfillment while maintaining optimal stock holding levels.
  • Support demand planning with accurate historical inventory and consumption data.
• Reporting & Analysis
  • Produce weekly and monthly inventory performance reports (stock levels, stock turns, fill rate, ageing stock).
  • Analyse variances between forecast, production output, and actual sales.
  • Track KPIs including inventory accuracy, stock days on hand, and supplier OTIF (On Time In Full).
  • Identify continuous improvement opportunities in supply chain processes.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Advanced Excel and ERP/WMS proficiency.
• Experience in FMCG inventory control (sports nutrition, supplements, or food industry preferred).
• Knowledge of batch tracking, expiry management, and regulated product handling.
• Excellent supplier communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in inventory control within FMCG or food/nutritional manufacturing.
• Experience in demand planning and S&OP environments.
• Understanding of GMP, food safety, or nutritional compliance standards is advantageous.

What Success Looks Like

• Zero production downtime due to material shortages.
• High inventory accuracy (≥98%).
• Improved stock turnover and reduced expired/obsolete stock.
• Strong supplier performance and minimal stockouts.
• Seamless alignment between sales forecasts and operational execution.

This role is ideal for a supply chain professional who thrives in a dynamic FMCG environment and understands the complexities of managing inventory in performance-driven sports nutrition markets.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Employee discount
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate: Crawley RH10 9RW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education: Bachelor's (preferred)

Experience: Inventory control: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person