Inventory Planning Manager in Poole, Dorset

Market-leading FMCG distribution business requires an Inventory Planning Manager on a FTC-basis for up to 9 months. Applicants need previous experience in inventory planning, demand planning, forecasting, supply planning or stock optimisation, in a high SKU environment.

Reporting into the Supply Chain function, you will take ownership of inventory planning, demand forecasting and stock optimisation activities across a diverse product portfolio. Working closely with Procurement, Commercial, Customer Service, Finance and Logistics teams, you'll ensure inventory decisions support excellent customer service whilst balancing working capital and commercial objectives.

Specific duties of the Inventory Planning Manager include:

• Lead demand planning, forecasting and inventory planning, using historical sales data, customer forecasts, seasonality and market intelligence to drive stock decisions.
• Stock optimisation, including safety stock levels, reorder points, stock cover and replenishment parameters.
• Identify and mitigate potential stock shortages, working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage lead times and supply risks.
• Drive inventory performance through proactive management of excess, slow-moving and obsolete stock (SLOB).
• Support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by providing forecasting insight and inventory recommendations.
• Monitor and report on forecast accuracy, inventory value, stock availability, stock turns and working capital performance.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, Commercial, Finance, Warehouse and Customer Service teams to deliver continuous improvement initiatives.

Inventory Planning Manager applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Inventory planning, demand planning, forecasting, supply planning or stock optimisation experience
• Experience in supporting S&OP initiatives and SLOB management
• Strong analytical skills; intermediate-to-advanced MS Excel and experience using ERP, MRP and other Planning tools
• Supplier management experience
• An appreciation of E-2-E global supply chain considerations, logistics and warehousing