Inventory Controller
Location: Wakefield
Package: Basic salary up to £28,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Sector: Packaging Distribution
Optimise stock, drive efficiency, and support business performance
At Macfarlane Packaging, we're in the business of protecting what matters - our people, our customers, and the planet. We're equally committed to protecting and developing careers, offering a stable, forward-thinking environment where your contribution is recognised and your progression supported.
With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine the strength of a market leader with the pace and energy of a commercial, sales-led business. If you enjoy working with data, driving efficiencies, and playing a key role in operational performance, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.
The Role: Inventory Controller
As our Inventory Controller, you'll take ownership of stock management across our site, ensuring the right products are available at the right time while balancing working capital, space utilisation, and margin.
Working closely with procurement, sales, and logistics teams, you'll use data and insight to forecast demand, manage stock levels, and identify opportunities to improve performance. This is a highly visible, cross-functional role where accuracy, organisation, and commercial awareness are key.
What You'll Be Doing Manage stock levels across allocated sites, ensuring availability aligns with customer demand and service levels
Forecast inventory requirements using data and customer insight to optimise stock holding
Monitor and manage aged, excess, and slow-moving stock to improve margin and reduce waste
Raise and manage purchase orders for both standard and non-standard items
Expedite orders and resolve supply or cost issues to maintain continuity and control spend
Maintain accurate inventory records, ensuring strong data integrity across systems Manage Goods In schedules and oversee accurate Goods Received Notes (GRNs)
Support stock holding agreements and ensure purchasing accuracy in line with customer requirements
Analyse inventory performance and report on key KPIs, identifying areas for improvement
Work closely with sales, procurement, and logistics teams to align stock planning with customer needs
Build strong relationships across departments and with suppliers to support effective supply chain performance
What We're Looking For Some previous experience working within a purchasing/procurement or supplychain related role(preferred but not essential)
Strong analytical and numerical skills, with confidence working with data and Excel
Excellent attention to detail and a structured, organised approach
Ability to prioritise and manage workload in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally
Proactive mindset with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions
Comfortable managing a large SKU range across multiple product categories
Experience using ERP or stock management systems
Desirable: Previous experience in a distribution or logistics environment
Understanding of inventory management principles and KPIs
CIPS qualification (or working towards)
Why Join Macfarlane
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally, including: 25 days holiday (rising to 27 with service) plus bank holidays
Additional holiday purchasing scheme
Contributory pension scheme
Flexible benefits package including healthcare options
Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
Ongoing training and career development opportunities
Employee discounts across major retail and leisure brands
Annual volunteering day
Long service awards and recognition schemes
Your Future with Us
We're committed to helping our people grow. With structured development pathways, access to industry-recognised training (including CIPS), and genuine opportunities for progression across the wider group, you'll be supported to develop your career within a business that values continuous improvement and internal mobility.
Next Steps/How to Apply
We are working swiftly to find the best applicants and hope to hold local interviews ASAP. Please click apply' to submit your up-to-date CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you haven't heard from us within two weeks, please assume your application was unsuccessful.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of your age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.
No recruitment agencies please
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