Role Overview
The Inventory Manager will oversee inventory operations and lead a team of buyers and assistant buyers and an import coordinator within a scientific distribution environment. This role ensures the availability of scientific products and equipment to meet customer demand while optimizing stock levels, managing supplier relationships, driving procurement efficiency and ensuring compliance with import regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
Inventory Strategy & Control
1. Develop and execute inventory strategies tailored to scientific product lifecycles, shelf-life, and demand variability.
2. Maintain optimum stock levels across multiple categories including lab equipment, reagents, consumables, and instruments to meet corporate availability targets.
3. Monitor and report on inventory KPIs such as stock turnover and obsolescence.
Team Leadership
4. Lead, drive and mentor a team of buyers, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, responsiveness, and supplier collaboration.
5. Set clear objectives, conduct performance reviews, and support professional development.
6. Coordinate workload distribution and ensure alignment with business priorities.
Import Operations Oversight
7. Manage the import coordinator to ensure accurate and compliant handling of international shipments.
8. Ensure all import documentation, customs declarations, and regulatory requirements are met.
9. Liaise with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and regulatory bodies as needed.
Procurement & Supplier Management
10. Oversee purchasing activities to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of scientific products.
11. Collaborate with suppliers to manage lead times, MOQ constraints, and product availability.
12. Support strategic sourcing initiatives and contract negotiations in partnership with the Supply Chain Manager.
13. Develop and build relationship with key suppliers.
14. Identify opportunities to achieve savings through negotiation of higher value orders with Suppliers.
Systems & Process Optimisation
15. Leverage ERP and inventory management systems to streamline procurement and inventory workflows.
16. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance inventory accuracy and reduce excess stock.
17. Implement best practices for scientific product handling, storage, and replenishment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
18. Work closely with sales, customer service, and warehouse teams to align inventory with customer demand and service levels.
19. Support new product introductions and discontinuations with proactive inventory planning.
20. Act as a key stakeholder in demand forecasting and supply planning process.
21. Identify areas for improvement and implement best practice in Purchasing to meet the company’s long term strategic plans and the company’s overall vision, mission, and objectives.
22. Support the Procurement Director in the determination of departmental objectives and the ongoing monitoring, performance and reporting thereof.
Reporting & Analysis
23. Analyse procurement data to identify trends and improve performance.
24. Report on Inventory KPIs.
25. Collaborate with finance to manage budgets and cost controls.
The ideal candidate
26. Proven experience in inventory management, people management and procurement.
27. Significant knowledge and experience of a reseller / distribution environment with either the public or private sectors.
28. Strong understanding of scientific product categories and supply chain dynamics.
29. Proficiency in ERP systems and inventory analytics. Proficiency in import software (e.g. Data freight or similar).
30. Familiarity with customs procedures and international trade laws.
31. Understanding of scientific product handling and import regulations including experience with temperature-sensitive or hazardous goods.
32. Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
33. Analytical and data driven decision making.
34. Leadership and team development- demonstrable experience of inspiring, coaching, developing and motivating staff.
35. Ability to manage change within procurement and work with people of all levels and skill sets.
36. Attention to detail and regulatory awareness.
37. Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
38. Can demonstrate resilience and have a flexible attitude to deliver change within a dynamic and changing work environment.
39. Office 365 and General IT Competency.
40. Keen to maintain and raise the profile of Purchasing through digital transformation.
41. Well-developed and effective verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills, in both formal and informal situations.
42. Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (Fellow or member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or working towards.
About us
SLS are the UK’s largest independent supplier of laboratory equipment, chemicals and consumables. Supplying to a wide range of sectors, provides a diverse and interesting customer base as well as providing countless opportunity to grow and expand. With a Nottingham based Head Office, with customers all over the UK, we are a stable and growing company who have an excellent reputation in the market. We proudly supported the NHS and scientific community over the course of the Pandemic as well as supporting the education sector with vital supplies to be able to aid teaching for children affected by school closures.
We are passionate about our people and have developed a strong team dynamic who are welcoming and supportive of new individuals joining the company with a brilliant management team to support you as your find your feet in the role.
We are also proud to be a Living Wage Employer and committed to equal opportunities and actively promote a diverse and inclusive working environment, and fairness for everyone.
Alongside our commitment to your professional and personal development, we also offer a generous benefits package including:
43. Competitive salary
44. 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
45. Initially office based in Nottingham becoming hybrid after probationary period
46. Company pension
47. Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
48. Small, friendly, and sociable teams with staff events
49. Company profit bonus schemes
50. Cycle2work schemes
51. Career opportunities for development and progression
Scientific Laboratory Supplies Limited
Unit 6
Fairham Business Park
Foresters Av
Fairham
Nottingham
NG11 2AF