Inventory Controller

Macfarlane Group; Horsham; On-site; AUD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Extensive training and development

Simply Health/Dental plan options

Long service awards

Charitable giving options

Eye care allowances

Job summary

Macfarlane Packaging in Horsham is seeking an Inventory Controller to own stock management across site operations, balancing working capital, space and margin. You’ll forecast demand using data, coordinate with procurement and sales, and maintain accurate records to support continuous improvement.

This role offers exposure to cross-functional teams and a clear path for development. The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, strong analytical skills, and a practical approach to optimising

Qualifications

• Experience in inventory control or stock management.
• Strong analytics with Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and organized approach.
• Ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with ERP/stock management systems.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards).

Responsibilities

• Manage stock levels across allocated sites, ensuring availability aligns with customer demand and service levels.
• Forecast inventory requirements using data and customer insight to optimise stock holding.
• Monitor aged, excess, and slow-moving stock to improve margin and reduce waste.
• Raise and manage purchase orders for standard and non-standard items.
• Expedite orders and resolve supply or cost issues to maintain continuity and control spend.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure data integrity across systems (GRNs etc).
• Support stock holding agreements and ensure purchasing accuracy per customer needs.
• Analyse inventory performance and report on KPIs for improvement.
• Collaborate with sales, procurement and logistics to align planning with customer needs.
• Build relationships across departments and with suppliers to support supply chain performance.

Skills

Stock management

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Cross-functional communication

Forecasting

Supply chain

Education

CIPS qualification (or working towards)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Oakhurst Business Park, Southwater, Horsham

Package: Basic salary up to £30,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Sector: Packaging Distribution

Optimise stock, drive efficiency, and support business performance

At Macfarlane Packaging, we're in the business of protecting what matters - our people, our customers, and the planet. We're equally committed to protecting and developing careers, offering a stable, forward-thinking environment where your contribution is recognised and your progression supported.

With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine the strength of a market leader with the pace and energy of a commercial, sales-led business. If you enjoy working with data, driving efficiencies, and playing a key role in operational performance, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

The Role

As our Inventory Controller, you'll take ownership of stock management across our site, ensuring the right products are available at the right time while balancing working capital, space utilisation, and margin.

Working closely with procurement, sales, and logistics teams, you'll use data and insight to forecast demand, manage stock levels, and identify opportunities to improve performance. This is a highly visible, cross-functional role where accuracy, organisation, and commercial awareness are key.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage stock levels across allocated sites, ensuring availability aligns with customer demand and service levels
• Forecast inventory requirements using data and customer insight to optimise stock holding
• Monitor and manage aged, excess, and slow-moving stock to improve margin and reduce waste
• Raise and manage purchase orders for both standard and non-standard items
• Expedite orders and resolve supply or cost issues to maintain continuity and control spend
• Maintain accurate inventory records, ensuring strong data integrity across systems Manage Goods In schedules and oversee accurate Goods Received Notes (GRNs)
• Support stock holding agreements and ensure purchasing accuracy in line with customer requirements
• Analyse inventory performance and report on key KPIs, identifying areas for improvement
• Work closely with sales, procurement, and logistics teams to align stock planning with customer needs
• Build strong relationships across departments and with suppliers to support effective supply chain performance

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working in an inventory control, stock management, or supply chain role
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with confidence working with data and Excel
• Excellent attention to detail and a structured, organised approach
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally
• Proactive mindset with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions
• Comfortable managing a large SKU range across multiple product categories
• Experience using ERP or stock management systems
• Previous experience in a distribution or logistics environment
• Understanding of inventory management principles and KPIs
• CIPS qualification (or working towards)

What You Will Get

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 with service) plus all public/bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
• Extensive training and development opportunities
• Simply Health/Dental plan options
• Enhanced HR policies and long service awards
• Charitable giving options
• Financial support with eye tests and glasses (DSE users)

Your Future with Us

We're committed to helping our people grow. With structured development pathways, access to industry-recognised training (including CIPS), and genuine opportunities for progression across the wider group, you'll be supported to develop your career within a business that values continuous improvement and internal mobility.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of your age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.