Job Description
Are you an analytically minded Inventory Planner looking to take ownership of end-to-end inventory planning within a fast-paced FMCG or retail environment? This is an opportunity to join a well-established food business where inventory planning plays a critical role in driving availability, accuracy, and performance across a portfolio of well-known brands.
Each brand is supported by a dedicated Inventory Planner, working closely with Demand Planning and Supply Chain to deliver robust, data-driven inventory plans.
The Company
This highly respected consumer goods business operates across the UK and international markets, managing multiple established brands, each with its own supply chain and planning requirements. Collaboration, analytical rigour, and continuous improvement sit at the heart of the organisation, with genuine long-term development opportunities across supply chain and operations.
The Role
Reporting into the Supply Chain function, the Inventory Planner will sit within a specialist inventory team and take full ownership of one brand within the wider portfolio.
This is a planning-led, analytical role, focused on forecast alignment, inventory optimisation, and performance reporting not warehouse execution or physical stock control.
You will work cross-functionally with Demand and Supply Planning teams to validate forecasts, challenge assumptions, identify risks, and build end-to-end inventory plans that balance service levels, working capital, and operational constraints.
This role suits someone from an FMCG or retail planning background who is confident working with data, forecasts, and Excel-based analysis in a dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the end-to-end inventory plan for an assigned brand, ensuring stock availability across the network
* Partner with Supply and Demand Planners to validate forecasts, identify gaps, and align supply plans
* Analyse inventory performance across multiple SKUs, identifying risks around shortages, excess, and slow-moving stock
* Produce and maintain inventory reports and analytics, primarily using Excel
* Track and report key KPIs including stock cover, availability, and forecast accuracy
* Use ERP systems (SAP preferred) to support planning activity, stock visibility, and data integrity
* Support inventory reconciliation, variance analysis, and root-cause investigations alongside Supply Chain and Finance
* Contribute to purchase planning and replenishment decisions, considering lead times, constraints, and service targets
* Support continuous improvement across inventory processes, reporting, and planning accuracy
* Exposure to imports/exports or international supply flows is highly advantageous
What We’re Looking For
* Experience in an Inventory Planner, Supply Planner, or Planning Analyst role within FMCG or retail
* Strong understanding of inventory planning and forecasting principles
* ERP experience (SAP preferred, but not essential)
* Advanced Excel capability (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, scenario analysis)
* Highly analytical with strong attention to detail
* Confident communicator, able to work cross-functionally with Planning, Supply Chain, and Finance
* Exposure to international supply chains or imports/exports is a plus
Interested?
Click “Apply” or email your CV to Nathan.collinson@advocate-group.co.uk
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
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