Inventory Planner

Vickerstock; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Vickerstock in Newtownabbey is seeking an Inventory Planner to manage purchasing and replenishment for a defined range of vehicle parts. You will balance stock availability with stock-holding and budgets, collaborating with the Brand Manager to ensure demand is met.

You will forecast demand, assess lead times, and coordinate with suppliers to maintain on-time, in-full deliveries across the branch network. Strong Excel, data analysis and ERP data maintenance are essential.

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience in a replenishment or purchasing role.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP and data analysis.
• The ability to analyse demand, stock and purchasing information and assess the commercial impact of ordering decisions.
• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics.
• For this Inventory Planner position, the following would be desirable:
• A-level qualifications or equivalent or higher, alongside a strong working knowledge of supply chain processes.
• Experience in automotive distribution or with Trader Support Service (TSS) and customs processes.

Responsibilities

• Raise and manage purchase orders based on demand, stock levels, supplier delivery frequency, minimum order quantities and stock budgets.
• Plan forward orders to improve product availability and support margin performance.
• Maintain forecasts and replenishment settings, accounting for promotions, seasonal demand, new products and changes in supply conditions.
• Review outstanding orders and reconcile back orders, keeping delivery dates and order information accurate.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with suppliers and carriers to achieve on-time, in-full deliveries.
• Resolve supplier shortages, delays and order discrepancies, communicating availability risks to relevant teams.
• Coordinate with Depot Managers, Operations and Goods In on incoming deliveries and stock movements between branches.
• Maintain accurate product and supplier master data within ERP and ordering systems to support reliable purchasing and demand planning.
• Support Sales with stock availability queries and special orders.
• Work with Finance to resolve invoice discrepancies and differences between quantities ordered and received.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Pivot Tables

VLOOKUP

Data analysis

Demand analysis

Education

GCSEs

Job description

Location: Newtownabbey
Salary: Up to £35,000
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Industry: Distribution / FMCG
Reports to: Brand Manager
Hours: 40 hours per week, 9am-5.30pm

Role Overview

Vickerstock are recruiting an Inventory Planner to manage purchasing and replenishment for a defined range of vehicle parts, balancing stock availability with stock-holding levels and budgets.

Working closely with the Brand Manager, the Inventory Planner will assess demand, supplier lead times and order requirements to ensure products are available when needed. You will maintain replenishment settings, manage outstanding orders and monitor supplier delivery performance.

As Inventory Planner, you will work with Sales, Depot Managers and Operations to meet service and inventory targets across the branch network.

Key Responsibilities

• Raise and manage purchase orders based on demand, stock levels, supplier delivery frequency, minimum order quantities and stock budgets.
• Plan forward orders to improve product availability and support margin performance.
• Maintain forecasts and replenishment settings, accounting for promotions, seasonal demand, new products and changes in supply conditions.
• Review outstanding orders and reconcile back orders, keeping delivery dates and order information accurate.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with suppliers and carriers to achieve on-time, in-full deliveries.
• Resolve supplier shortages, delays and order discrepancies, communicating availability risks to relevant teams.
• Coordinate with Depot Managers, Operations and Goods In on incoming deliveries and stock movements between branches.
• Maintain accurate product and supplier master data within ERP and ordering systems to support reliable purchasing and demand planning.
• Support Sales with stock availability queries and special orders.
• Work with Finance to resolve invoice discrepancies and differences between quantities ordered and received.

What you will need to succeed as Inventory Planner, you will need:

• At least two years' experience in a replenishment or purchasing role.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP and data analysis.
• The ability to analyse demand, stock and purchasing information and assess the commercial impact of ordering decisions.
• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics.
• For this Inventory Planner position, the following would be desirable:
• A-level qualifications or equivalent or higher, alongside a strong working knowledge of supply chain processes.
• Experience in automotive distribution or with Trader Support Service (TSS) and customs processes.