Description:
Exciting opportunity for a commercially minded Supply Chain & Merchandising Manager to own inventory planning, forecasting, logistics and product availability - ensuring the right stock is in the right place at the right time, while optimising working capital and supporting profitable growth for a fast growing consumer goods brand. You'll work closely with Buying, Finance, Sales, Marketing, the warehouse/3PL partner and international manufacturing partners as the operational heartbeat of the business.
Key Responsibilities
Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Build and maintain rolling 12-month demand forecasts, including new launches
- Analyse sales trends and seasonality to improve forecast accuracy and recommend purchasing quantities
- Identify stock risks before they occur
Inventory Management
- Own inventory planning across all brands, monitoring daily stock availability
- Manage stock ageing and excess inventory to optimise working capital
- Lead monthly inventory review meetings
Purchase Orders, Production & Suppliers
- Create and manage purchase orders; track production schedules and manufacturing lead times
- Build relationships with international manufacturing partners and monitor supplier performance
- Proactively resolve delays and escalate supply risks
Freight & Logistics
- Manage inbound sea, air and road freight, including customs documentation
- Coordinate freight forwarders and logistics partners to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Ensure on-time delivery for launches and retailer deadlines
Warehouse, Merchandising & Stock Allocation
- Act as primary operational contact for the warehouse/3PL partner; manage stock transfers and inventory accuracy
- Own stock allocation across online, high street retail, wholesale and international distributor channels, based on demand, launch priorities and commercial performance
Product Launch Readiness
- Build a documented launch readiness plan for every launch, coordinating forecasts, purchase quantities, factory timelines, freight, allocation and contingency planning
Reporting
- Produce a weekly executive dashboard covering sales vs forecast, stock cover and risk, aged inventory, open POs, supplier and freight performance, and launch readiness
Skills & Experience
- 5+ years in Supply Chain, Merchandising, Inventory Planning or Operations
- Strong commercial and analytical mindset; excellent Excel and ERP/WMS skills
- Experience managing international suppliers and logistics
- Beauty, FMCG or retail experience preferred