Inventory Controller

Macfarlane Group UK Ltd; 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

Employee discount scheme

Volunteer day

Eye tests and glasses support

Mobile discount scheme

Job summary

Macfarlane Packaging is seeking an Inventory Controller to take ownership of stock management across our site in Horsham. You will balance working capital, space utilisation and margin, using data to forecast demand and optimise stock levels.

Collaborating with procurement, sales and logistics, you will identify opportunities to improve performance in a high-visibility, cross-functional role that values accuracy and commercial awareness.

Qualifications

• Experience in inventory control or stock management is essential.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with ability to work with data.
• Excellent attention to detail and organised, methodical approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage stock levels across allocated sites to meet 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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

ERP experience

Education

CIPS qualification (or working towards)

Tools

ERP / stock management systems

Job description

Inventory Controller

Location: 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: Inventory Controller

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

Desirable

• Previous experience in a distribution or logistics environment
• Understanding of inventory management principles and KPIs
• CIPS qualification (or working towards)

What You Will Get

We provide a competitive basic salary alongside a rewarding incentive scheme designed to recognise and incentivise success. Our flexible benefits package includes:

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

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.