Inventory Planner

ZipRecruiter; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking a Demand Planner to optimize inventory and logistics operations. This permanent position involves maintaining forecasts, coordinating deliveries, and developing stock plans to support customer demand. Ideal candidates will have experience in logistics and strong Excel skills. The role allows for hybrid working after training in Reading, UK.

Qualifications

• Experience in logistics, distribution, or supply chain operations is essential.
• Intermediate skills using Excel, including pivot tables and lookups.
• Data analysis abilities are crucial for inventory planning and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate forecasts and validate pipelines with sales teams.
• Coordinate logistics with freight providers for optimal delivery.
• Develop stock plans to manage client demand and seasonal activities.

Skills

Logistics operations

Demand planning

Materials planning

Data analysis

Communication

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

Demand Planner / Materials Planner / Inventory Planner

Job Status: Permanent

Start Date: ASAP

Office based role Monday to Friday with Hybrid working once trained. Min 3-4 days in office each week after training.

Salary: £35000-£40000

We are seeking an ambitious and analytical Demand Planner / Inventory Planner / Stock planner / Goods Planner / Materials Planner for a broad logistics/distribution/supply chain related role with this leading European business. The role is to join a growing EMEA logistics and supply chain team; however the role will be more akin to a Logistics Operations role. This is a key operational role, ideal for someone who is looking to develop /progress their logistics career across a wide skill set covering demand planning, materials handling, materials planning, logistics operations, European high volume distribution, Demand planning, Customer support/Service and e-commerce.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient supply, storage, movement of goods, supporting customer order fulfilment, and driving continuous improvement across planning (demand planning / Materials planning) and logistics processes.

Key Responsibilities

Demand & Supply Planning

• Maintain accurate forecasts across key categories, collaborating with sales and account teams to validate pipelines.
• Monitor seasonal demand patterns and new client onboarding to ensure forward-looking materials availability.
• Analyse and respond to exception reports such as forecast errors and inventory constraints.

Logistics & Distribution Operations

• Coordinate inbound logistics with freight providers and 3PL partners to optimize delivery timelines and cost.
• Prioritize inbound shipments to align with customer demand and reduce storage costs at port.
• Support logistics execution and ensure clear visibility of inbound stock via ERP.

Stock & Inventory Management

• Develop stock plans to support client demand, seasonal peaks, and promotional activities.
• Manage purchase orders from creation through to goods receipt, ensuring accurate ERP system updates.
• Monitor inventory health including slow movers, shortages, and obsolescence risks.

Systems & Data Analysis

• Use Excel and data tools to conduct supply chain performance analysis (pivot tables, lookups, trend analysis).

Requirements

• Experience in logistics, distribution, or supply chain operations
• Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, etc.) and PowerPoint presentation skills.
• Data analysis or Data Insight skills to support customer success/support, reporting, inventory/demand and materials planning aspects of this role.
• Exposure to materials planning / demand planning / inventory control, including forecasting and order execution.
• Great communicator