Inventory Planner

TalentHawk; Crawley; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentHawk is seeking an Inventory Planning Analyst to manage parts inventory and ensure high availability for manufacturing operations in Crawley, United Kingdom. The role focuses on maintaining optimal stock levels, reducing shortages, and driving efficiency across the supply chain.

You will collaborate with Service, Technical Support, and Sales to forecast demand, monitor consumption, and optimize stock parameters. Strong Excel/Power BI skills and ERP experience are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Secondary education with strong performance in English and Mathematics.
• Proven experience in order processing and import/export compliance.
• Solid understanding of planning techniques, SPP, and ERP systems.
• Experience working within an international organization and navigating cross-cultural environments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement inventory planning strategies to optimize stock levels.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams (Service, Technical Support, Sales) to forecast demand.
• Inventory Monitoring: Analyze consumption patterns and monitor stock levels to prevent shortages or excesses.
• Supplier Coordination: Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries and address lead times.
• Parameter Optimization: Review safety stock, order quantities, and lead times to minimize costs.
• Reporting & Analytics: Provide regular inventory metrics and trends to the Planning Group Leader.
• Relationship Management: Build relationships with internal and external contacts to promote teamwork.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Secondary education with strong performance in English and Mathematics

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Power Query

SQL

SAP

Job description

About the Company

We are supporting a leading global organization dedicated to innovation and excellence in manufacturing. Their commitment to quality and efficiency drives everything we do. We are currently seeking a meticulous and data-driven Inventory Planning Analyst to join our dynamic team and help optimize our global supply chain operations.

The Role

As an Inventory Planning Analyst, you will be responsible for managing parts inventory and ensuring high availability to support our manufacturing processes. You will play a crucial role in maintaining optimal stock levels, minimizing delays due to shortages, and streamlining our internal supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement inventory planning strategies to optimize stock levels and ensure the seamless availability of parts.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams (including Service, Technical Support, and Sales) to understand equipment requirements and accurately forecast demand.
• Inventory Monitoring: Analyze consumption patterns and monitor stock levels to identify potential shortages or excesses, proactively mitigating risks.
• Supplier Coordination: Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries, monitor vendor performance, and elevate any quality or lead-time issues to relevant internal teams.
• Parameter Optimization: Regularly review and update inventory parameters, including safety stock levels, order quantities, and lead times, to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.
• Reporting & Analytics: Generate insightful reports and provide regular data updates to the Planning Group Leader and internal stakeholders regarding key inventory metrics and trends.
• Relationship Management: Build trusting relationships with both internal colleagues and external contacts, promoting a collaborative and diverse team environment.

Skills and Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Secondary education with strong performance in English and Mathematics (or equivalent professional experience).
• Proven experience in order processing and import/export compliance.
• Solid understanding of planning techniques, SPP, and ERP systems.
• Experience working within an international organization and navigating cross-cultural environments is highly desirable.

Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced Excel and Power BI skills (including Power Query).
• Strong working knowledge of SQL and SAP.

Core Competencies:

• Exceptional data manipulation, reporting, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent interpersonal abilities.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate records.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines under pressure.
• A proactive, resilient, and self-motivated mindset, with the ability to work autonomously or collaboratively under mentorship.
• A strong understanding of compliance, continuous improvement, and superior customer service.
• Commercial awareness regarding logistics and spare parts demand management is a plus.