At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing and stock control for a leading craft bakery.
- Company: Join a respected bakery known for premium products and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of operations, ensuring quality and efficiency in production.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or stock control with strong Excel skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork and process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading and highly respected craft bakery supplying premium foodservice, retail, and private label customers, is seeking a commercially aware and detail-focused Stock Control & Purchasing Manager to manage inbound ingredients and packaging procurement across their busy production site. This is a pivotal role sitting at the heart of operations, ensuring accurate stock control, supplier performance, and cost efficiency across the business.
Job Role
Reporting to the Operations Director, the Stock Control & Purchasing Manager will be responsible for managing the full inbound stock portfolio, including ingredients and packaging materials. You will work closely with Production, Technical, Finance, and Warehousing teams to ensure optimal stock levels, pricing accuracy, and smooth month-end reporting processes. This role requires strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to manage supplier relationships while maintaining tight control over systems, processes, and compliance.
Responsibilities
- Manage purchasing of all ingredients and packaging materials in line with production requirements.
- Conduct daily stock level checks and liaise with production and packing teams to ensure continuity of supply.
- Maintain accurate stock records within the inventory management system.
- Manage purchase orders, goods receipt, and invoice matching processes.
- Check delivery notes against purchase orders and supplier invoices, ensuring accuracy in description, pricing, and quantities.
- Manage and maintain stock pricing within the IT system.
- Develop and manage supplier relationships, sourcing new suppliers where appropriate.
- Work closely with Production and Technical teams to balance cost, quality, and compliance requirements.
- Lead and coordinate the monthly stock take process.
- Support month-end reporting and financial reconciliation in collaboration with Finance.
- Contribute to process improvements, including stock management and traceability systems.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company policies at all times.
- Undertake additional responsibilities as required to support wider operational needs.
Personal Profile
- Previous experience in purchasing, stock control, or inventory management.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and inventory management systems / MRP software.
- Good numeracy and literacy skills with strong attention to detail.
- Organised and methodical with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong relationship‑building skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.
- Commercially aware with a proactive and solutions‑driven mindset.
- High level of integrity with respect for company policies and confidentiality.
- Flexible, resourceful, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced production environment.
Purchasing and Stock Control Manager in London employer: The People Co
Contact Detail:
The People Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing and Stock Control Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your skills in stock control and purchasing align with their needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in managing supplier relationships and inventory systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing and Stock Control Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the job description. Highlight your previous roles in purchasing and stock control, and don’t forget to mention any relevant software you’ve used!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Stock Control & Purchasing Manager role. Mention your commercial awareness and how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Double-check your documents before submitting them to show us you’re organised and methodical!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the hiring process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Purchasing and Stock Control Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numeracy skills. Brush up on key metrics related to stock levels, pricing accuracy, and supplier performance. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role requires a methodical approach to managing multiple priorities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully organised stock management processes or improved inventory systems in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with policies.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Strong relationship-building skills are crucial for this position. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current supplier relationships and stock management challenges. This shows your proactive mindset and willingness to collaborate.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Being commercially aware is key for this role. Research the bakery industry and understand the market trends affecting ingredient sourcing and pricing. Be prepared to discuss how you can balance cost, quality, and compliance while maintaining supplier relationships.