Head of Stock Control

WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS VIA RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

HEAD OF STOCK CONTROL

Reporting To: Managing Director

Location: Unit D-F Delta Court, Blacknest Industrial Estate, Alton, GU34 4PX

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5pm (½ hour lunch)

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000

ROLE PURPOSE

The Head of Stock Control is responsible for the planning, purchasing and management of our supply chain. This role is dedicated solely to purchasing and inventory management and is separate from product development. The successful candidate will ensure the business purchases the right products, in the right quantities, at the right time and at the most commercially advantageous cost, whilst maintaining excellent supplier relationships, supporting sales demand, and protecting company cash flow.

This is a commercially focused role requiring strong analytical skills, excellent planning ability, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing & Supply Management

• Ownership of the entire purchasing function across the business, whilst continually improving it
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies to support company objectives
• Purchase products from suppliers in the UK, China, Italy and Serbia & manage supplier relationships ensuring high standards of quality, cost, delivery and service
• Ensuring stock is purchased at the correct quantities, costs and lead times
• Negotiate pricing, contracts and payment terms to achieve best commercial value
• Monitor supplier performance, quality, delivery and service levels
• Identify opportunities to reduce purchasing costs whilst maintaining product quality
• Ensure compliance with company standards, CE regulatory requirements and ethical sourcing practices

Inventory Management

• Manage inventory exceeding £1 million
• Logging of incoming stock
• Maintain optimum stock levels to maximise availability whilst minimising excess stock
• Improve stock turns and reduce obsolete or slow-moving inventory
• Undertake regular inventory reviews and recommend purchasing adjustments
• Ensure purchasing decisions support healthy company cashflow

Forecasting & Planning

• Work closely with the Product & Logistics Manager regarding new products
• Work closely with sales, finance and workshop teams to align purchasing plans with business forecasts and inventory targets
• Convert demand forecasts into structured purchasing plans
• Analyse historical sales, seasonal trends and future demand

International Logistics

• Plan international shipments efficiently
• Manage container utilisation and loading plans
• Coordinate import schedules with freight forwarders and logistics providers
• Develop a sound understanding of international shipping regulations, customs requirements and import procedures
• Monitor freight costs and identify opportunities for improved efficiency

Reporting & Analysis

• Produce regular purchasing reports for senior management
• Develop and monitor key purchasing KPI’s including:
• Stock availability
• Supplier performance
• Purchase price variance
• Inventory value
• Forecast accuracy
• Container utilisation
• Analyse purchasing data to identify trends, risks and opportunities
• Make recommendations based on data and commercial insight
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience within a purchasing, buying or supply chain management role
• Experience managing significant inventory values (ideally £1m or over)
• Experience purchasing internationally
• Strong understanding of stock control and inventory management
• Knowledge of international shipping and import procedures
• Experience negotiating with suppliers
• Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience using inventory management systems

Desirable Qualifications

• Sage 200 Pro experience

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute and results driven
• Highly organised and methodical
• Self motivated with a proactive approach
• Strong attention to detail
• Professional and ethical
• Collaborative team player capable of working across multiple functions and cultures

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Performance-based bonus (after successful probation)
• Pension scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Training and professional development opportunities
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (increasing with service)

Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Free parking

Application question(s):

• Do you have 2 years minimum stock control/inventory management experience?
• Do you have experience managing inventory values of £1m+?
• Do you have experience of import/export globally?
• Are you local/commutable to Alton, Hampshire? (Note - this is NOT a remote/hybrid role. Due to the nature of the role, this is an office-based position and regular attendance at our premises is required. Candidates should therefore live within a reasonable and practical commuting distance of our office.)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person