Stock Planner

1st Executive; Slough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Executive is seeking an experienced Stock Planner to join a fast-paced FMCG environment. You will manage stock, forecast demand, and optimise inventory while minimising waste and working capital.

Working with Procurement, Production, and Warehousing, you will analyse data, drive replenishment plans, and report on stock performance, ensuring service levels remain high in a busy UK operation.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in stock planning, inventory planning, supply planning or supply chain planning.
• Experience in FMCG or fast-paced environments is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of inventory management and stock optimisation.

Responsibilities

• Manage stock levels across the business.
• Monitor inventory against agreed stock targets and service levels.
• Ensure stock availability meets customer and production requirements.
• Identify potential shortages, excess stock and slow-moving inventory.
• Maintain accurate stock forecasts and replenishment plans.
• Work with Procurement and suppliers to manage inbound stock and delivery schedules.
• Liaise with Production Planning to ensure materials are available when required.
• Monitor stock movements, lead times and supplier performance.
• Support management of short-life and shelf-life-sensitive products, minimising waste and obsolescence.
• Investigate stock discrepancies and resolve issues with Warehouse teams.
• Produce regular inventory, availability and stock performance reports.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across inventory and supply chain processes.
• Help optimise working capital without compromising customer service.
• Escalate potential supply risks and develop mitigation plans.

Skills

Stock planning

Inventory planning

Supply planning

FMCG experience

Forecasting

Replenishment

ERP/MRP

Excel

Stakeholder management

Analytical

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

I am recruiting for an experienced Stock Planner to join a fast-paced and growing food manufacturing business. The Stock Planner will be responsible for ensuring the right levels of stock are available at the right time, while balancing customer service, inventory, shelf life, waste and working capital. This is a key role within the supply chain team, working closely with Procurement, Demand Planning, Production, Logistics, Warehousing and Commercial teams.

• Manage stock levels across the business
• Monitor inventory against agreed stock targets and service levels.
• Ensure stock availability meets customer and production requirements.
• Identify potential shortages, excess stock and slow-moving inventory.
• Maintain accurate stock forecasts and replenishment plans.
• Work closely with Procurement and suppliers to manage inbound stock and delivery schedules.
• Liaise with Production Planning to ensure materials are available when required.
• Monitor stock movements, lead times and supplier performance.
• Support the management of short-life and shelf-life-sensitive products, minimising waste and obsolescence.
• Investigate stock discrepancies and work with Warehouse teams to resolve issues.
• Produce regular inventory, availability and stock performance reports.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across inventory and supply chain processes.
• Help optimise working capital without compromising customer service.
• Escalate potential supply risks and develop appropriate mitigation plans.

Experience

• Previous experience in stock planning, inventory planning, supply planning or supply chain planning.
• Experience within FMCG or another fast-paced environment would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of inventory management and stock optimisation.
• Good knowledge of forecasting, replenishment and supply planning principles.
• Comfortable working with large volumes of data and identifying trends or exceptions.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Highly organised, analytical and commercially aware.
• Ability to prioritise effectively and work to tight deadlines.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving supply and inventory issues.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a high-volume environment and will enjoy working collaboratively across the wider supply chain function.