At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock levels and optimise inventory for a leading food wholesaler.
- Company: Respected speciality food and drink wholesaler with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in supply chain management.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in inventory or supply planning.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a friendly, forward-thinking team.
Our client, a growing and respected speciality food and drink wholesaler, is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Inventory Planner to join their Operations team. This is a key role within the business, focused on balancing stock availability with margin optimisation while minimising waste and risk.
This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical, detail-driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced supply chain environment and enjoys working closely with suppliers and internal teams to drive performance and service levels.
Job Role
Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Inventory Planner will play a crucial role in maintaining optimal stock levels across a diverse product range. You will be responsible for making informed purchasing decisions that maximise customer availability while protecting profitability and reducing excess or obsolete stock. You will work closely with suppliers, third-party logistics partners (3PL), and internal teams to ensure smooth inbound operations and high levels of fulfilment.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyse inventory levels to ensure optimal stock holding.
- Place purchase orders with suppliers to maximise availability without overstocking.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to stock shortages or excess inventory.
- Maximise margin opportunities through tactical purchasing where possible.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers and logistics partners.
- Work closely with the buying team to influence product ranging decisions.
- Conduct regular inventory audits and resolve any discrepancies.
- Manage relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
- Oversee daily inbound deliveries, chasing missing shipments and resolving issues with suppliers or goods-in teams.
- Review daily fulfilment performance, investigate issues, and communicate updates across the business.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across processes and systems.
Personal Profile
Essential skills and attributes:
- Strong numerical and analytical ability with excellent attention to detail.
- Highly organised with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-moving environment.
- Confident communicator who can build relationships across teams and with external partners.
- Resilient, resourceful, and comfortable making commercial decisions.
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to turn insights into action.
- Comfortable working in a collaborative, values-driven culture.
- Genuine interest in food and sustainability is advantageous.
Desirable experience:
- 2–3 years’ experience in Inventory Planning, Supply Planning, or a similar role.
- Experience in the food and drink or FMCG sector.
- Knowledge of S&OP processes.
- Experience delivering high levels of customer service.
- Strong Excel skills; good working knowledge of Word and Outlook.
Hours
- 37.5 hours per week
- Hybrid working: minimum three days per week in the office
Package
- Competitive salary
- Company pension
- Private healthcare (after 6 months’ service)
- Company performance bonus scheme
- Modern office environment in a high-street location
- Friendly, collaborative, forward-thinking team culture
To apply, please send your comprehensive CV in strict confidence, quoting the reference above and for the attention of Jon Hemming-Nash. Please include current salary details within your application. Due to high response levels, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within one week, regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Inventory Planner in Bracknell employer: The People Co.
Contact Detail:
The People Co. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Inventory Planner in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Inventory Planner role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to inventory planning and supply chain management. Think about how your skills align with their needs, especially around stock optimisation and supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Inventory Planner in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Up-to-Date: Before you hit that apply button, make sure your CV is fresh and reflects your latest experiences. We want to see how your skills match up with the Inventory Planner role, so tailor it to highlight your analytical abilities and any relevant experience in supply chain or inventory planning.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role is all about balancing stock levels and optimising margins, don’t shy away from showcasing your numerical prowess. Include specific examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in past roles. We love a good story about turning insights into action!
Communicate Clearly: As a confident communicator, it's essential to convey your thoughts clearly in your application. Whether it’s your cover letter or CV, make sure you articulate your experience in building relationships with suppliers and teams. We’re looking for someone who can connect the dots across various stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our friendly, collaborative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co.
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Inventory Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to inventory management, such as stock turnover rates and margin optimisation. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role requires a highly organised individual who can prioritise effectively. Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in a fast-paced environment. Highlight any tools or methods you use to stay organised and ensure smooth operations.
✨Build Relationships
Since the job involves working closely with suppliers and internal teams, be prepared to talk about your experience in building and maintaining relationships. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with others to drive performance and resolve issues.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food and Sustainability
Having a genuine interest in food and sustainability can set you apart. Research the company’s values and be ready to discuss how your personal interests align with their mission. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in the industry.