Inventory Planning Manager in Chorley

ROLE PURPOSE To provide strategic leadership and commercial direction for Inventory Planning across TVS Clients, delivering optimal inventory availability and service performance while maximising working capital efficiency, cost savings, profitability and customer value. The role will lead the development and execution of robust inventory planning strategies, balancing customer service requirements with inventory investment, operating cost and commercial objectives. It will drive continuous improvement, innovation and business transformation to deliver sustainable financial and operational benefits. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Commercial & Strategic Leadership Provide strategic leadership, management and development direction for the Inventory Planning function, ensuring inventory decisions directly support client and TVS commercial objectives. Own the delivery of inventory-related financial benefits, including working capital reduction, cost savings, productivity improvements and planned Gain-share opportunities. Contribute to the strategic leadership and future development of the Inventory Planning organisation, identifying opportunities to increase competitiveness, profitability and customer value. Lead the inventory planning contribution to annual business planning, budgeting, commercial strategy and longer-term client account plans. Develop and maintain a clear inventory strategy for each client, balancing availability, customer service, inventory investment, risk and total cost to serve. Act as a senior commercial partner to clients, using inventory insight, market intelligence and data to identify opportunities, influence decisions and strengthen client relationships. Support commercial proposals, tenders and account development activity by assessing inventory implications, service requirements, operational risks and potential value creation opportunities. * Financial & Performance Management Deliver agreed operating cost budgets, inventory targets and planned Gain-share benefits, with clear accountability for financial performance. Establish and manage KPIs covering inventory value, working capital, stock turns, forecast accuracy, availability, service level, obsolescence, excess inventory, operating cost and financial benefits. Provide clear monthly reporting of performance against targets Identify and implement further cost-down and value-creation opportunities through improved planning, process optimisation, supplier collaboration and technology. Ensure inventory decisions consider the total cost to serve, including stockholding, transport, warehousing, obsolescence, expediting and service-related costs. * Inventory Strategy & Governance Govern the Inventory Planning business process and supporting IT systems to deliver the required balance of inventory availability, customer service and working capital performance. Set appropriate inventory policies, parameters and planning strategies based on customer demand, commercial priorities, supply risk and financial objectives. Establish appropriate governance, controls and decision-making processes to ensure inventory is actively managed as a commercial asset rather than simply an operational requirement. Monitor inventory exposure and risk, proactively identifying opportunities to reduce excess, slow-moving and obsolete stock without compromising customer service. * Customer & Commercial Engagement Participate in senior customer interactions to understand current and future demand, commercial priorities, service expectations and inventory requirements. Translate customer requirements into commercially sustainable inventory strategies and planning solutions. Provide clients with insight and recommendations on inventory performance, working capital opportunities, service trade-offs and future supply chain risks. Build strong relationships with client stakeholders and internal commercial, operational, finance and technology teams to drive joint value creation. * Inventory Risk, Obsolescence & Lifecycle Management Lead the inventory-related aspects of product lifecycle management, including all-time buys, new product introduction, product transitions, obsolescence and excess inventory disposal. Develop proactive strategies to minimise financial exposure from excess and obsolete inventory. * Transformation & Continuous Improvement Identify, benchmark and implement best practice in inventory planning, forecasting and requirements planning to deliver sustainable improvements in financial and operational performance. Evaluate and implement new processes, systems, technologies and analytical techniques that improve forecast accuracy, inventory efficiency and customer service. Use data, analytics and scenario modelling to identify opportunities, quantify trade-offs and support evidence-based commercial decisions. Develop and maintain a continuous improvement pipeline focused on measurable improvements in working capital, cost, service and profitability. * People Leadership Build, lead and develop a high-performing Inventory Planning team with clear objectives, accountability and alignment to TVS business values. Develop direct reports through coaching, performance management, capability building and succession planning. Ensure the team has the commercial, analytical and technical capability required to deliver increasingly complex client and business requirements. Conduct regular employee communications to ensure colleagues understand departmental performance, business priorities, financial objectives and key areas of change. Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, continuous improvement and commercial awareness. * New Business & Solution Development Provide inventory planning expertise and commercial insight to support the development of new business solutions, bids, tenders and client propositions. Lead or contribute to inventory modelling and scenario analysis for new business opportunities, assessing demand profiles, inventory requirements, service levels, working capital, operating costs and associated commercial risks. Challenge and optimise solution assumptions to identify opportunities for cost reduction, improved service, reduced working capital and enhanced client value. Provide clear financial and operational outputs from inventory models to support investment decisions, pricing strategies and business case development. Support transition and mobilisation planning for new business wins, ensuring inventory strategies, planning parameters, systems and governance are aligned with the agreed commercial solution from implementation through to steady state. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS Proven senior-level experience in inventory management, demand forecasting and materials requirements planning within a logistics, supply chain, manufacturing or outsourced services environment. Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrable track record of converting inventory opportunities into measurable financial and customer benefits. Proven experience of delivering working capital reduction, cost savings, productivity improvements and/or Gain-share benefits through effective inventory management. Strong customer and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence senior client and internal stakeholders. 3–5 years’ minimum team leadership experience, preferably within a complex, multi-client or matrix organisation. Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain management and the commercial drivers that influence inventory, service and cost. Experience managing operating cost budgets and financial performance against agreed business plans. Strong analytical and financial capability, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into commercially focused recommendations. High level of judgement when determining system configurations, inventory policies and planning parameters where decisions may have significant long-term financial and service consequences. Strong planning, organisational and project management capability, with the ability to manage competing commercial and operational priorities. Highly numerate and logical thinker, educated to degree level or with equivalent professional experience. Adaptable, innovative and change-oriented, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and value creation. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex inventory and financial information clearly to senior stakeholders. Strong understanding of inventory optimisation techniques, forecasting methodologies, MRP, planning systems and supply chain analytics. Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels, translating business strategy into measurable inventory and financial outcomes. SUCCESS MEASURES Success in the role will be demonstrated through: Sustainable reduction in inventory investment and working capital. Delivery of agreed Gain-share, cost-saving and productivity targets. Improved inventory turns and inventory productivity. Achievement of agreed customer service and availability targets. Reduction in excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory exposure. Improved forecast accuracy and planning effectiveness. Delivery of operating cost budgets and productivity commitments. Increased value delivered to clients through inventory optimisation. High-performing, commercially focused Inventory Planning teams. Strengthened client relationships and identification of new commercial value opportunities. Successful contribution to new business wins through commercially robust inventory solutions and modelling, including those that improve solution competitiveness. Successful mobilisation of new business solutions with inventory performance aligned to the agreed commercial case. In return for your hard work, we offer excellent career progression opportunities and a professional environment where you can acquire, use, and continue developing your skills. Your package will include: * Competitive Salary * Pension scheme with up to 6% employer matched contributions * Life assurance * 25 days holiday + 8 statutory bank holidays * Holiday buy-back scheme (5 additional days available) * Salary sacrifice car scheme - A cost-effective way to lease a new car via salary sacrifice (subject to meeting minimum earnings eligibility criteria). * Established hybrid working structure * Enhanced maternity and paternity leave * Employee Assistance Programme supporting wellness with immediate access for you and your family to: 1. Virtual GP consultations and second opinions 2. Mental health support and counselling 3. Online physiotherapy 4. Access to CONNECTPlus long-term health condition support 5. Wellbeing and healthy living support * Cycle to work scheme * Professional Membership and Study Sponsorship * Quarterly employee recognition awards * Employee referral scheme with financial reward * Benefits hub with employee retail discounts * Discounted eye test vouchers At TVS SCS we encourage and support our employees to realise their potential. They are empowered to take initiative and achieve high impact results that really make a difference to our business and our customers. Security Clearance Requirement Candidates must be eligible to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. This process includes verification of identity, right to work in the UK, employment history, and a basic criminal records check for unspent convictions. Please note that candidates must have resided in the UK for 3 years to meet BPSS eligibility requirements. If you require any adjustments to allow you take a full and active part in the selection process, please notify us as part of your application. Please note TVS Supply Chain Solutions is an Equal Opportunities Employer. TVS have signed the Armed Forces covenant and are a forces friendly employer