Demand and Inventory Planner

Department: Inventory

Location: Luton, Bedfordshire

Reports To: Senior Demand and Inventory Planner

MISSION:  Contribute to the continuous improvement of the supply chain function with the key objective of maximising customer service levels, optimising inventory and ensuring an efficient approach to all supply chain and project related planning activities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The role reports to the Senior Demand and Inventory Planner with responsibility for:

• Part of a best in class inventory planning team, ensuring robust systems and procedures for the review, placement, progression and delivery of purchase orders from 3^rd party overseas factories.  Departmental activities include:
  • Interpretation and validation of MRP plan, along with generation, approval and progression of PO’s and associated paperwork
  • Identifying shortages, potential out of stocks and taking appropriate actions / measures (rework, local sourcing, air freight) to minimise disruption to the supply chain.
  • Management of Inventory Planning Parameters (ABC Segmentation, Safety Stock, EOQ) and ensuring the integrity of planning data (product status, lead times, etc.) to allow for the continual optimisation of inventory and the maximisation of service levels.
  • Providing key inventory data, analysis and reports to the inventory planning team and stakeholders to support routine and adhoc planning activities and decision making. 
  • Implementing robust systems and procedures to ensure demand plans are reviewed and updated on a timely basis and the integrity of demand planning data is maintained.
  • Working collaboratively with key stakeholders (internal and external) to create accurate demand planning forecasts, taking account of latest customer data and market intelligence.
  • Working with and supporting suppliers in maximising delivery performance in line with agreed targets, reporting and interpreting results monthly to suppliers and working with Management to put in place any corrective actions or initiatives as agreed.
  • Generating monthly management reporting information and providing commentary and analysis to support accurate interpretation and decision making.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Educated to A Level or equivalent
• 3+ years inventory planning experience
• Background of inventory planning for long lead time FMCG goods within a distribution business
• Experience of working closely with major wholesale and retail supply chain teams
• Ability to work effectively in a high pressure and deadline driven environment
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and a thorough and accurate approach to work
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in both a team environment and on own
• Resourceful and lateral thinking with a creative approach to tasks
• Strong project management and problem solving skills
• Computer literate with strong excel skills (vlookup, pivot tables)
• Drive, ambition and enthusiasm to deliver results and progress within the organisation
• ERP System experience to include Inventory Control

The successful candidate will be offered a competitive salary and access to the company’s profit share scheme and a company pension.