Inventory Controller

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Heywood; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday (rising to 27)

Bank holidays

Annual leave purchasing scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible benefits package

Healthcare options

Employee assistance programme

CIPS training pathways

Employee discounts

Long service awards

Job summary

Macfarlane Packaging in Heywood is seeking an Inventory Controller to optimise stock and drive efficiency across our site at Heywood Distribution Park. The role focuses on balancing working capital, space utilisation and margin, using data to forecast demand and manage stock levels.

You will work with procurement, sales and logistics teams, maintain accurate records, manage supplier deliveries, and contribute to performance KPIs as part of a collaborative, data‑driven environment that values

Qualifications

• Experience in inventory control, stock management or supply chain.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with Excel to interpret data.
• Attention to detail with an organised, methodical approach.
• Ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborates effectively with cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory levels across allocated sites to meet customer demand.
• Forecast inventory requirements using data, trends and insights.
• Identify opportunities to minimise excess and slow-moving stock.
• Control purchasing, raise POs and ensure timely supply of products.
• Coordinate supplier deliveries and resolve price/lead-time issues.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and data integrity across systems.
• Support customer stock holding agreements and align with needs.
• Monitor KPIs and drive improvements in inventory performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Prioritisation

Communication

Proactive mindset

Experience with ERP/stock systems

Distribution/logistics experience

Understanding KPIs

Education

CIPS qualification (or working towards)

Tools

ERP systems

IWMS Goods In diary

Job description

£25,000 to £28,000 per year, plus bonus & company benefits

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Disability Confident: No

Closing Date: 13/08/2026

About this job

Inventory Controller Location: Heywood Distribution Park Package: Basic salary up to £28,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme) Hours:
37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday Sector: Packaging Distribution Optimise stock, drive efficiency, and support business performance.

At Macfarlane Packaging, we are in the business of protecting what matters

• our people, our customers, and the planet.

We are 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 will play a key role in optimising 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 our procurement, sales, and logistics teams, you will use data and insight to forecast demand, manage stock levels, and identify opportunities to improve performance.

This is a varied, fast‑paced cross‑functional role where strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and commercial awareness will make a real difference to the business.

What You will Be Doing

Manage inventory levels across allocated sites ensuring the right stock is available to meet customer demand.

Use data, trends, and insight to forecast inventory requirements and drive effective inventory planning.

Identify opportunities to minimise and reduce excess, aged and slow‑moving stock, improving profitability and cash flow.

Manage the purchasing process, raising purchase orders and ensuring timely supply of both standard and bespoke products.

Proactively manage supplier deliveries, resolving availability, pricing, and lead‑time issues to minimise disruption.

Maintain accurate inventory records, ensuring strong data integrity across various systems.

Manage supplier deliveries through our IWMS Goods In diary.

Support customer stock holding agreements, ensuring inventory levels remain aligned with customer requirements.

Monitor inventory performance against key KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement.

Work closely with colleagues from sales, procurement, and logistics teams to align inventory planning in line with customer needs.

Build strong relationships across departments and with suppliers to support effective supply chain performance.

What We are Looking For

Experience working in an inventory control, stock management, or supply chain role.

Strong analytical and numerical skills, with confidence using Excel to interpret and manage data.

Excellent attention to detail with a methodical and organised approach.

The ability to prioritise tasks, manage deadlines, and perform well in a fast‑paced environment.

Great communication skills and confidence collaborating with colleagues across different teams.

A proactive and focused mindset with the initiative to identify issues and drive solutions.

Experience managing a large product 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)

Why Join Macfarlane?

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally, including:

• 25 days holiday (rising to 27 with service) plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits package including healthcare options.
• Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities (including CIPS pathways)
• Employee discounts across major retail and leisure brands
• Long service awards and recognition schemes

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.

No recruitment agencies please