Inventory Manager

Inventory Planning & Forecasting Manager

Location: Office Based (Monday-Friday) Contract: 6-9 Month Fixed Term Contract Salary: £40,000 per annum Hours: 40 hours per week

We are looking for an Inventory Planning & Forecasting Manager to take ownership of forecasting, stock planning and inventory optimisation within a fast-paced distribution environment. Based on customer demand, supplier performance and commercial insight, you'll play a key role in ensuring products are available when customers need them, while maintaining effective control of inventory investment and working capital.

The Role

As Inventory Planning & Forecasting Manager, you will lead the forecasting and inventory planning process across a diverse product portfolio. Working closely with Procurement, Commercial, Customer Service, Finance, Warehouse and Logistics teams, you will drive stock availability, minimise excess inventory and provide critical planning insight to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Own demand forecasting and inventory planning activities using historical sales data, market trends, customer forecasts and seasonal demand patterns.
• Develop and maintain stock policies including safety stock, stock cover, reorder points and replenishment parameters.
• Proactively identify supply risks, potential shortages and inventory challenges, working with suppliers and internal stakeholders to mitigate issues.
• Lead initiatives to reduce slow-moving, excess and obsolete stock while maintaining excellent product availability.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities through accurate forecasting and inventory insights.
• Produce and analyse key inventory performance metrics including forecast accuracy, stock availability, stock turns, inventory value and stock obsolescence.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across inventory management, forecasting processes and supply chain planning activities.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong analytical capability with commercial awareness and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in inventory planning, demand forecasting, supply planning or stock optimisation.
• Experience within distribution, wholesale, FMCG or another high-volume, fast-moving inventory environment.
• Strong understanding of forecasting methodologies, replenishment planning, inventory optimisation and S&OP processes.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using ERP, inventory management or supply chain planning systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence decision-making across the business.
• Knowledge of supplier lead time management, stock cover and replenishment planning.
• Supply chain qualifications such as CIPS, APICS or equivalent experience would be advantageous.
• Experience working with international supply chains, multi-site warehousing or 3PL operations would be beneficial.

Personal Qualities

• Analytical and data-driven
• Commercially aware
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Collaborative team player
• Confident decision-maker
• Passionate about continuous improvement

If you're looking for a role where you can influence business performance through effective forecasting, inventory management and supply chain planning, we'd love to hear from you.