Inventory Planner

Location: Theale

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

: CV(phone number removed)

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