7 Inventory Management jobs in Colchester

We're looking for an energetic and proactive Supply Chain Planner to take ownership of planning across a fast-growing business in the commercial interiors sector. This is a hands-on role where you'll be responsible for planning 6-8 weeks in advance, ensuring materials, equipment, and stock are in place to deliver contracts on time and in full.

You won't have direct reports, but you'll be the go-to person for planning and stock control, owning the process, managing the data, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

• Planning contracts 6-8 weeks ahead, ensuring all required materials and equipment are in place

• Managing stock levels and orders to avoid shortages or overstocking

• Working with internal teams to share data effectively and improve planning processes

• Using Microsoft Business Central (ERP) with the opportunity to help implement a new ERP system next year (Eclipse)

• Taking ownership of planning and supply processes, driving efficiencies and improvements

• Experience in Materials or Supply Chain Planning within a Food or FMCG environment (fast-paced and process driven)

• Strong systems knowledge (ERP/MRP), comfortable working with data

• Organised, energetic, proactive, and able to work at pace

• A natural collaborator, able to work effectively across different functions

• Someone who thrives in a growing business where you can make a real impact

• Join a fast-growing business with ambitious plans for the future (secure contracts, consistent year-on-year growth)

• Opportunity to shape and own the planning function

• Salary up to 45,000 with flexibility around working hours

• Hybrid working - 4 days in the office and 1 from home

• Work in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where your input is valued

If you're from a Food or FMCG planning background and want a role where you can take ownership, work at pace, and be part of an ambitious growing company, we'd love to hear from you! Call: (phone number removed) or Email: (url removed)

Supply Chain Planner: You will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies to ensure operations run smoothly. As a key member of the team, you will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive cost-saving initiatives. This role requires a hands-on approach, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to the fast-paced and ever-changing start-up environment.

Supply Chain Planner Role:

Perform job functions in accordance with set policies and procedures to ensure preservation of Company Quality Policy:

Procurement Strategy:

Develop and implement efficient purchasing strategies aligned with the start-up’s goals.

Stay abreast of market trends to identify potential suppliers and innovative procurement solutions.

Forecast demand for products and services to ensure continuous supply without overstocking.

Supplier Management:

Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.

Conduct supplier assessments and performance reviews to ensure reliability and quality.

Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to secure the best value for the company.

Contract and Risk Management:

Draft, review, and manage contracts and purchase orders.

Ensure all procurement activities comply with legal and company standards.

Identify and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain and vendor agreements.

Team Development:

Build and lead a small, effective purchasing team as the company grows.

Mentor and support team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Set clear goals and monitor team performance against KPIs.

Cost Management:

Develop and manage the procurement budget.

Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or operational efficiency.

Track procurement metrics to optimise spending and improve procurement processes.

Inventory and Supply Chain Coordination:

Work closely with inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels.

Coordinate with production and operations teams to meet demand and production schedules.

Resolve any issues related to supply shortages or excess inventory.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with other departments, such as Product Development, Finance, and Operations, to align procurement with overall business objectives.

Support new product launches and operational planning through effective procurement strategies.

Reporting and Analysis:

Generate regular reports on procurement activities, supplier performance, and cost savings.

Analyse data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

Present findings and recommendations to the executive team.

This is a full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the start-up’s dynamic environment.
Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers and attend industry events.
The role may require working outside regular hours to meet critical deadlines.

Supply Chain Planner Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in a start-up or fast-growing environment.
• Ideally a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM) is a plus.
• Understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and contract negotiation.
• Excellent team-building skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work within a small team or independently.

Supply Chain Planner Application:

**This role is on-site Full-Time**

**VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this role**

This vacancy is only available to Candidates with relevant experience as detailed in the job description. Due to volume of applications, we are unable to respond to applicants who do not possess the required skills and experience. Recent Graduates who do not have the required level of industry experience need not apply.

Candidates must be authorised to work in the country where this role is located BEFORE making an application.

Supply Chain Planner: You will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies to ensure operations run smoothly. As a key member of the team, you will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and drive cost-saving initiatives. This role requires a hands-on approach, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to the fast-paced and ever-changing start-up environment.

Supply Chain Planner Role:

Perform job functions in accordance with set policies and procedures to ensure preservation of Company Quality Policy:

Procurement Strategy:

Develop and implement efficient purchasing strategies aligned with the start-up’s goals.

Stay abreast of market trends to identify potential suppliers and innovative procurement solutions.

Forecast demand for products and services to ensure continuous supply without overstocking.

Supplier Management:

Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors.

Conduct supplier assessments and performance reviews to ensure reliability and quality.

Negotiate terms, pricing, and contracts to secure the best value for the company.

Contract and Risk Management:

Draft, review, and manage contracts and purchase orders.

Ensure all procurement activities comply with legal and company standards.

Identify and mitigate risks associated with the supply chain and vendor agreements.

Team Development:

Build and lead a small, effective purchasing team as the company grows.

Mentor and support team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Set clear goals and monitor team performance against KPIs.

Cost Management:

Develop and manage the procurement budget.

Implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or operational efficiency.

Track procurement metrics to optimise spending and improve procurement processes.

Inventory and Supply Chain Coordination:

Work closely with inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels.

Coordinate with production and operations teams to meet demand and production schedules.

Resolve any issues related to supply shortages or excess inventory.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with other departments, such as Product Development, Finance, and Operations, to align procurement with overall business objectives.

Support new product launches and operational planning through effective procurement strategies.

Reporting and Analysis:

Generate regular reports on procurement activities, supplier performance, and cost savings.

Analyse data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

Present findings and recommendations to the executive team.

This is a full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the start-up’s dynamic environment.
Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers and attend industry events.
The role may require working outside regular hours to meet critical deadlines.

Supply Chain Planner Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in a start-up or fast-growing environment.
• Ideally a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., CPM, CPSM) is a plus.
• Understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and contract negotiation.
• Excellent team-building skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work within a small team or independently.

Supply Chain Planner Application:

**This role is on-site Full-Time**

**VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this role**

This vacancy is only available to Candidates with relevant experience as detailed in the job description. Due to volume of applications, we are unable to respond to applicants who do not possess the required skills and experience. Recent Graduates who do not have the required level of industry experience need not apply.

Candidates must be authorised to work in the country where this role is located BEFORE making an application.

About Sureserve Energy Services Meters:

Sureserve Energy Services Meters (formerly Providor), a proud subsidiary of Sureserve Group Limited, is a leading provider of domestic smart meter installations across the UK, working with three of the "Big Six" energy suppliers. We are dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability through innovative metering solutions. Our mission is to empower.

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Due to their continued success, our client, a leading distributor based in Ipswich, is currently recruiting for an experienced Supply Chain Demand Planner to strengthen their thriving Supply Chain team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work for an ever-growing business who are committed to their employees.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Proven demand planning or purchasing experience , along with a thorough understanding of inventory management principles and supply chain procedures
• Customer service driven , with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong IT Skills, including the use of Microsoft Excel and role related software
• Strong analytical abilities , with a creative approach to problem solving
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven experience of working to deadlines

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the complete order cycle of stock replenishment - forecasting, procurement, scheduling and shipping.
• Analysing sales trends and constructing forecasting requirements that can be used to support inventory planning
• Reviewing stock holding against the forecast to identify purchase order requirements
• Liaising with suppliers to ensure production deadlines are met
• Producing regular reports that will ensure forecasts stay accurate
• Co-ordinating container shipments and delivery bookings.
• Any additional tasks required by the Management teams

Due to their continued success, our client, a leading distributor based in Ipswich, is currently recruiting for an experienced Supply Chain Demand Planner to strengthen their thriving Supply Chain team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work for an ever-growing business who are committed to their employees.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Proven demand planning or purchasing experience , along with a .

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