Inventory Planner

Inventory Controller/Specialist, Coventry
Salary c £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
(Hybrid working – 3 days onsite and 2 remote )
Flexible hours of work – 35 hour working week – Monday to Friday
Excellent company benefits – Pension, Critical Illness, Death in Service
The Inventory Specialist is responsible for managing the inbound supply of inventory and overseeing inventory control across all product lines. The role focuses on optimising supply, maximising product availability, managing variable expiry dates, and minimising short-dated stock to ensure continuity of supply and strengthen supply resilience in support of business growth.
The Supply Chain Specialist supports purchasing, demand planning, and inventory management activities through accurate processing, effective coordination, and robust stock analysis within a regulated environment. A key accountability of the role is the accurate and timely presentation of data through dashboards and management reports, enabling informed and effective business decision-making.
The role also plays a critical part in maintaining the integrity and alignment of internal inventory systems with those of logistics partners, while working closely with sales teams to ensure demand forecasts remain current and accurate.
Purchasing & Order Management
Raise purchase orders based on agreed demand plans and replenishment requirements
Track and maintain open purchase orders, confirmations, and delivery dates
Follow up with Global Supply Chain on order status, delays, and changes
Maintain purchasing trackers and documentation to support visibility and control
Demand Planning Support
Support demand planning activities by maintaining production and demand forecasts, assumptions, and planning files in collaboration with Sales and Global Supply Chain
Prepare data for demand reviews and supply planning discussions
Track forecast vs actual consumption and highlight variances
Support short-term supply planning and risk identification
Provide regular forecast updates and participate in monthly demand and supply reviews
Track forecast vs actual consumption and highlight variances and risks
Support short-term supply planning and risk identification
Stock Management & Analytics
Monitor inventory levels and highlight risks relating to low stock, excess, or expiry
Maintain stock reports, dashboards, and inventory trackers
Support stock reconciliations, cycle counts, and data accuracy checks
Assist in identifying opportunities to improve stock efficiency and reduce write-offs
Supplier & Logistics Coordination
Act as an operational point of contact for Global Supply Chain on routine supply matters
Support coordination of inbound deliveries and shipment tracking
Escalate supply risks or constraints to the Inventory Manager in a timely manner
Compliance & Documentation Support
Support documentation related to purchasing, stock movements, and supply activities
Ensure accurate record-keeping suitable for audit and compliance purposes
Maintain accurate documentation suitable for audit and compliance purposes
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain performance
Provide ad-hoc operational support and analysis as required
Skills Required
Educated to Degree level or equivalent
Minimum of 3 years of experience within Supply Chain, Inventory Management
3PL/4PL skills
Advanced MS Office skills – Excel, ERP Systems
Preference given to those with Power BI
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Highly organised with a strong attention to detail
Problem solver, ability to work under pressure