Purchasing and Inventory Manager

The Rayware Group; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Rayware Ltd is seeking a Purchasing and Inventory Manager to lead stock planning, procurement, and supplier relationships across the brand portfolio. The role reports to the COO and sits within the Supply Chain department.

You will manage inventory optimisation, demand planning, budget control, and cross-functional collaboration with Product Sourcing, Warehousing and Commercial teams to deliver an integrated supply chain plan.

Qualifications

• Advanced Excel and data analysis for stock control.
• ERP and inventory management systems knowledge.
• Experience in forecasting to align stock with demand.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end purchasing and inventory management.
• Develop and implement inventory policies and stock strategies.
• Coordinate with warehouse, sourcing, and finance for budget control.

Skills

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Inventory management

Forecasting tools

Contract negotiation

Supplier performance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

Professional certification (CIPS or APICS)

Job description

Job Description and Person Specification

JOB TITLE

Purchasing and Inventory Manager

DEPARTMENT

Supply Chain

REPORTS TO: (Job Title)

COO

LOCATION

Rayware Ltd Hybrid 3 days office - 2 WFH

Rayware Ltd. is a global provider of high-quality housewares, known for our innovative and diverse portfolio of brands that enhance everyday life. With a strong legacy in the industry, we are committed to delivering products that combine functionality, style, and durability to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. At Rayware, we value excellence, creativity, and sustainability, working collaboratively with our teams and global partners to drive growth and maintain our position as a trusted name in the market.

Our Commitment to Equality

Rayware Ltd. is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. We are an equal‑opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and identities. We believe that diversity strengthens our team, encourages innovation, and contributes to our success. Joining Rayware means becoming part of a culture that champions equality, professional growth, and collaboration, creating a workplace where everyone can thrive

Job Purpose

The Purchasing and Inventory Manager is responsible for leading inventory management, purchasing and supply planning activities across the brand portfolio, and through a global network of third‑party manufacturing partners.

The purpose of the role is ensuring optimal stock levels, cost‑effective procurement, and seamless coordination with internal teams to support business goals.

This role is integral to an evolving supply chain function, ensuring the right stock is available at the right time whilst balancing working capital, supplier performance and service levels, partnering closely with Product Sourcing, Warehousing and Commercial teams to deliver an integrated supply chain plan. The Purchasing and Inventory Manager will work closely with Finance to monitor and control inventory budgets and working capital, track purchasing costs, and support overall financial accountability.

Reporting directly to the COO, this role is responsible for supporting supplier relationships, demand planning, efficient purchasing and resourcing of products, ongoing price management, budget control, and implementing efficient inventory management processes to maintain quality standards whilst working with compliance to maintain factory consistency.

The role will support the continued development of a more proactive, planning‑led supply chain function, with stronger focus on forecasting, inventory optimisation and supply chain visibility.

This will support organisational plans to strengthen demand planning, supply planning and strategic ownership of inventory across the business.

Main Duties*

Purchasing, Supply Planning and Supplier Management:

Develop and implement purchasing strategies that align with company objectives, focusing on cost, quality, and supplier performance.

Lead purchasing and replenishment activities.

Ensure effective conversion of demand forecasts into supply plans.

Manage purchase order governance and supplier commitments.

Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to secure favourable terms, consistent lead times, and quality product standards.

Oversee inbound supply schedules and inventory flow.

Negotiate contracts and drive cost‑saving initiatives to support Rayware’s financial goals and operational efficiency.

Minimise supply disruption and stock risk.

Inventory Leadership and Stock Control:

Own inventory performance and control processes to maintain optimal stock levels aligned with demand forecasts, reducing both overstock and stockouts.

Use demand planning and forecasting tools to align stock with seasonal trends, sales targets, and product launches.

Improve stock availability and inventory health.

Develop stock policies and inventory strategies.

Balance service levels against working capital investment.

Drive reduction of excess and obsolete inventory.

Manage Product lifecycle and product performance including 6 month key stock reviews for recategorisation of stock including managing overstocks and slow moving lines.

Co-ordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure efficient stock movement, storage, and handling.

Validation of stock among 3 warehouse locations and among three key regions UKI, US and IBU.

Budget Management and Financial Control:

Partner with Finance to develop, monitor, and control the purchasing and inventory budget, ensuring alignment with company financial goals.

Track and report on stock variances, inventory adjustments, and obsolete stock to maintain budget accuracy and cost control.

Conduct regular cost analysis to identify opportunities for budget savings and process improvements, supporting financial transparency.

Prepare stock provision for finance team periodically.

Team Leadership

Lead and develop a team responsible for inventory control, purchasing administration and supply coordination.

Establish clear accountabilities and performance measures.

Further develop analytical capability within the team

Multi functional Role – Working together:

Collaborate with Product Development, Marketing, and Sales to align purchasing and inventory decisions with promotional activities, seasonal demand, and new product launches.

Partner with Product Sourcing to ensure smooth transition from supplier selection into ongoing supply management, support with NPD initiatives, focusing on product procurement and stock readiness for launch and for ongoing supply.

Collaborate with the Product Sourcing Manager, ensuring a smooth transition from supplier selection (sourcing) to day‑to‑day supply chain management (purchasing and inventory control).

Work closely with Compliance and Quality Control to ensure new and existing products and factories meet supply standards.

Work closely with Imports and Warehousing to optimise inventory flow.

Manage agents if supplier agents are handling ongoing purchasing, inventory management, and logistics, the Inventory and Purchasing Manager is more suitable.

Provide supply chain insights and budget updates to the SLT and Executive team to inform strategic decision-making in sourcing and stock management.

System and Process Optimisation:

Lead the development of a S&OP process.

Enhance forecasting processes and inventory reporting.

Lead the development of efficient inventory management processes, implementing and optimising ERP and inventory systems.

Develop and evolve KPI reporting for purchasing and inventory management to provide greater visibility of supply chain performance. Key success metrics include product availability, forecast accuracy, inventory turn, supplier service performance, OTIF, Excess and obsolete stock reduction and working capital optimisation

Track and own fulfilment rates and therefore lost sales linked with stock availability among the regions.

Regularly evaluate and enhance purchasing and inventory practices to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase service levels.

Drive automation and process simplification opportunities.

Person Specification

Job Title: Purchasing & Inventory Manager Department: Supply Chain

ATTRIBUTES

ESSENTIAL(E) / DESIRABLE (D)

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT i.e. Application Form, Interview, Presentation

Knowledge

This relates to the level and breadth of knowledge required to do the job, e.g. an understanding of a defined system, practice, method or procedure.

• Strategic inventory management within an import, manufacturing, retail or consumer goods environment. – E
• S&OP leadership experience - E
• Commercial awareness linked to demand planning and supply planning experience - E
• Understanding of procurement and inventory management principles, including stock control, demand forecasting, and budgeting – E
• Familiarity with supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and cost‑saving strategies – E
• Knowledge of compliance and quality standards in purchasing and stock management – D
• Experience with stock and supply systems and inventory management systems in a multi‑location, international setting – D

Technical/Work-based Skills

This relates to the skills specific to the job, e.g. language fluency, typing skills, etc.

• Advanced Excel capability -E
• Strong ERP and inventory management systems knowledge for tracking inventory, KPIs, and processes – E.
• Analytical skills for conducting cost analysis, budget tracking, and financial reporting – E.
• Competency in contract negotiation and supplier performance management – E
• Experience using forecasting tools to align stock levels with demand trends – D

General Skills/Attributes

This relates to more general characteristics required to do the job effectively, e.g., effective written communication skills, ability to delegate, motivation or commitment, etc.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with suppliers, internal teams, and stakeholders – E
• Attention to detail to ensure high accuracy in inventory tracking, budget adherence, and process compliance – E
• Problem‑solving abilities to proactively address supply chain issues and resolve stock discrepancies – E
• Strong team leadership with proven track record of developing teams E
• Leadership skills to guide cross‑functional collaboration and drive initiatives – D
• Strong organizational skills for managing multi‑tasking and regional inventory coordination – E

Experience

This is the proven record of experience and achievement in a field, profession or specialism. This could include a minimum period of experience in a defined area of work (take care to ensure period stated is appropriate and not unnecessarily excessive).

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or inventory management within a supply chain environment – E
• Experience managing international supply chains and third‑party manufacturers. E
• Proven track record in cost control, process optimisation, and supplier negotiation – E
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders across multiple functions E
• History and experience of finance team alignment and collaboration - E
• FMCG, Homewares, Consumer Products or Retail background- D

Qualifications

Please statement the level of education and professional qualifications and/or specific occupational training required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field – D
• Professional certification in supply chain or purchasing (e.g., CIPS or APICS) – D