About Us
Advanced Water Company is built on a reputation of excellent customer service and technical support with specialist product knowledge in the unvented spares market. We are an omnichannel distributor with our customer base expanding right across the National Merchants Sector and Distribution Centres, Independent Plumbing & Heating Merchants as well as Tradesman, M&E Contractors and online through our consumer website.
We have consistently grown our market share in the industry with a continued objective of emulating this high level of service and technical support throughout the UK. To achieve this, we have committed ourselves to delivering consistent quality by establishing a Quality Management System that satisfies the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. Our goal is for Advanced Water to be the first company to call for any unvented spares enquiry.
Whilst providing quality products and services to our customers is vital to our business, we also pride ourselves on working to reduce our impact upon the environment and have now established an Environmental Management System to satisfy the requirements of ISO 14001:2015.
Our company ethos is to create a good, healthy working environment with teamwork and collaboration key for our continued success. Working to both ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 ensures staff development and reducing our environmental impact remain our key focus. Our staff are at the heart of what we do and with the company aiming to nurture and grow for many years to come, this will ensure future opportunities for career progression.
Advanced Water Company puts great emphasis on the importance of maintaining a healthy and happy working environment for staff. As part of this, the Company's aim is to ensure all employees receive fair and equal pay and benefits that are reflective of the roles and responsibilities for each position within the organisation, as well as individual skillsets and relevant experience. The company also aims to make additional benefits available throughout each employee's career to reward staff for outstanding performance, achievements and loyalty to the company.
Purpose of the Role
The Sourcing & Inventory Manager is responsible for leading and optimising the Purchasing & Inventory team's operational performance and inventory levels, ensuring efficient supply chain operations while maintaining strong supplier relationships. This role plays a critical part in managing supplier onboarding, inventory control, and sourcing products to align with business goals.
The role also supports the Department Head in achieving key performance targets and driving continuous improvement, whilst mitigating supply chain risks.
Key Responsibilities
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Leadership & Team Management
Ø Lead, train, and develop the Purchasing & Inventory team, ensuring high performance and engagement
Ø Conduct recruitment, training, coaching, and performance evaluations, including regular reviews and appraisals
Ø Ensure cross-functional collaboration between Purchasing, Sales, Customer Service, and Operations & Finance
Ø Ensure all daily Purchasing & Inventory team tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner
Ø Assisting the Department Head with sourcing new products and or services
Ø Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring workload balance and continuity during staff absences
Ø Manage staff holidays and absences using e-Days, ensuring adequate team cover
Ø Report creation as required
Ø Creation and updating Departmental Operational guides as necessary
Supplier & Inventory Management
Ø Product sourcing, price negotiations, and global supply chain management
Ø Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring adherence to the Supplier Due Diligence process
Ø Manage inventory levels to meet business targets, ensuring optimal stock availability to match demand
Ø Direct involvement with supplier performance reporting
Ø Oversee international freight quotes and cost-saving opportunities for controlled shipments
Ø Ensure accurate landed cost calculations and monitor supplier open order reports
Operational Efficiency & Compliance
Ø Drive process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Ø Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies and relevant regulations
Ø Prepare forecasts and analyse large datasets to support decision-making
Ø Utilise ERP system to streamline purchasing and inventory operations
Ø Attend Department Manager meetings, providing insights on procurement and inventory performance
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
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Essential:
Ø 2-3 years of experience in department management, including staff leadership
Ø 5+ years of purchasing & inventory control experience, ideally in a wholesale distribution environment
Ø 3+ years of experience in global product sourcing
Ø Strong background in global supply chain management and risk mitigation
Ø Advanced knowledge of Incoterms and supplier trading agreements
Ø Experience with ERP/MRP systems (minimum 5 years)
Ø Strong negotiation, communication, and decision-making skills
Ø High proficiency in Excel (intermediate-advanced level)
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Desirable:
Ø Experience in data-driven decision-making using data analytics software and/or MS Excel
Ø Knowledge of supplier contract execution and compliance processes
Ø Experience in supplier trading agreements/contracts
Ø Experience with Sage 200
Essential Qualifications:
Ø A-Level (or equivalent) in Business, Mathematics, Economics, or a related subject
Ø GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics (Grade 4/C or above)
Desirable Qualifications:
Ø Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc) in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field
Ø CIPS qualified (or actively working towards certification)