Inventory, Planning and Supply Chain Leader

Job Description

We are recruiting for an Inventory, Planning and Supply Chain Leader based in Ipswich. 

The role is predominantly focussed on inventory management, production planning and the external supply chain. The role will work closely with the production manager, global service team and R&D. This role will have both a “hands on” requirement as well as managing a small team.

The key responsibilities are:  

Material scheduling and production planning to ensure customer demand is fulfilled. Leading the Scheduling and release of Work Orders (WO) for “make” items though you may delegate to departments where appropriate, e.g. production manager. With both of these, inventory management is required to ensure we have enough material for production and service and life cycle management of parts for aging products which includes the monitoring of costs and optimising of stock holding. With that, the role will lead, with finance, annual and periodic cycle counts.

The role will drive the material pull systems (e.g. Min Max, KanBan, MRP) to ensure that target shipment dates and pull forwards are met, guiding material buyers on the tactical execution.

Lead the supply chain team (e.g. buyers) to ensure supplier performance enables our internal processes and requirements to meet customer demand requirements. Additionally, to identify and support continuous improvement initiatives, particularly regarding supply chain and inventory management initiatives.  Coordinate activities with Sales, Warehouse, and Manufacturing personnel to keep all departments informed of potential problems and opportunities.

This role will be responsible for defining the suppliers and procuring material for the NPD process as well as working closely with production engineering to ensure new parts are created in ERP.

This role will also have responsibility for material cost improvements through PPV projects and being part of VAVE activities as well as working with the current supply chain to mitigate potential increases.

Additional Information

Essential Skills:

• Must be from manufacturing background, with planning and scheduling experience.


• Knowledge and experience of using ERP systems.


• Must be computer literate with SME level of Excel skills.


• Exhibit & encourage sense of urgency.


• Must be able to make decisions quickly and take risks.


• Must be able proactively to contribute to the team.


• Able to multi-task, working well under pressure.


• Proactive at looking for continuous improvement opportunities.


• Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills.

• Able to work independently to agreed targets and processes.

Ideal Experience & Skillset:

• SQL – Knowledge of SQL, database querying and integration with Excel.


• Good understanding of supply chain processes

• Procurement of direct materials

• Knowledge of lean techniques may be advantageous.

• Interpersonal skills, both internal and external

Ideal Qualification:

• Degree level in a STEM based subject or equivalent professional qualification (e.g. CIPS).