Lead Inventory Analyst

Manpower UK; Gaydon; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK is recruiting for a Lead Inventory Analyst based in Gaydon. You will own inventory governance, ensure stock accuracy, and drive data-driven decisions to optimise stock across multiple sites.

You will manage data integrity, generate meaningful reporting, and collaborate with supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing teams to support uninterrupted production and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience in inventory control and governance within manufacturing or distribution.
• Proficient with ERP/MRP systems (SAP/Infor/Oracle) and large data analysis.
• Advanced Excel skills; able to present complex data clearly to stakeholders.
• Experience managing inventory-related KPIs like stock accuracy and cycle counting.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory control activities and ensure data integrity for decision making.
• Oversee inventory performance across multiple locations and report stock levels and value.
• Investigate discrepancies, support cycle counting, and maintain governance processes.
• Transform data into actionable insights; provide reports and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Contribute to SOPs and audit readiness and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Inventory governance

Stock accuracy

Data analysis

Excel proficiency

ERP/MRP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Logistics/Engineering

Tools

SAP

Infor LN

Oracle

Job description

Lead Inventory Analyst

Gaydon | Manufacturing Operations | Supply Chain & Logistics | Permanent | Competitive Salary & Benefits

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced inventory, logistics, or supply chain professional to take ownership of inventory governance, stock accuracy, data analysis, and inventory optimisation across a complex manufacturing operation.

Working within the Logistics Operations team, you will play a key role in ensuring inventory performance supports uninterrupted production while driving continuous improvement, reducing risk, and improving operational efficiency across multiple manufacturing sites.

This position would suit candidates with experience as an Inventory Analyst, Senior Inventory Analyst, Inventory Controller, Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Analyst, Materials Planner, Inventory Manager, Production Planner, or Supply Chain Planning Analyst.

The Role

Reporting to the Risk & Inventory Manager, you will be responsible for managing inventory control activities, driving data integrity, and delivering meaningful reporting and analysis to support business decision-making.

You will oversee inventory performance across multiple locations, ensuring accurate reporting of stock levels, inventory value, stock ageing, storage utilisation, and inventory accuracy. Working closely with supply chain, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and third-party logistics providers, you will investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, support cycle counting activities, and ensure robust inventory governance processes are maintained.

A key element of the role will involve analysing inventory trends, supply and demand patterns, and stock movements to optimise inventory levels, improve working capital performance, and maintain material availability for production. You will transform complex data into clear business insight, providing reports, presentations, recommendations, and performance updates to operational and senior leadership teams.

You will also support continuous improvement initiatives, create and maintain process documentation and standard operating procedures, ensure audit readiness, and contribute to the ongoing development of inventory management best practices across the business.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have proven experience in inventory control, inventory management, supply chain planning, logistics operations, materials planning, or a related discipline within a manufacturing or distribution environment.

You will have experience using ERP and MRP systems such as SAP, Infor LN, Oracle, or equivalent platforms and be comfortable managing large data sets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. Strong analytical skills and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel are essential, along with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of stakeholders.

You will be experienced in managing inventory-related KPIs, including stock accuracy, inventory performance, transactional compliance, and inventory reporting. A structured approach to problem solving using methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, Root Cause Analysis, and Ishikawa diagrams will also be highly beneficial.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, detail-focused, and capable of building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, operational teams, and external logistics partners.

Desirable Experience

Experience within automotive manufacturing, engineering, warehousing, logistics, or a high-volume production environment would be advantageous. Knowledge of inventory optimisation, forecasting, safety stock planning, cycle counting, inventory classification, warehouse operations, stock transactions, and third-party logistics management would also be beneficial.

A degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field is desirable. Project management experience or qualifications such as APM, PRINCE2, or equivalent would be advantageous.

What's on Offer?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a globally recognised manufacturing business and play a critical role in supporting production through effective inventory control and supply chain performance. You will work within a fast-paced and collaborative environment, influence key operational decisions, and have genuine opportunities for future career progression.