Inventory, Planning and Supply Chain Leader

Location: Sydenham

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Inventory, Planning & Supply Chain Leader to join a well-established manufacturing business based in Ipswich. This is a varied, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for inventory management, production planning, materials and the external supply chain. You’ll work closely with Production, Sales, Finance, R&D and the global service team, while also leading and supporting members of the materials and supply chain team.

We’re looking for someone with a strong manufacturing background who can combine hands-on planning and inventory expertise with the ability to lead others, make decisions and drive continuous improvement.

The Role You’ll take ownership of material scheduling and production planning to ensure customer demand is fulfilled, while maintaining appropriate stock levels and managing materials throughout the product lifecycle. You’ll lead the scheduling and release of Work Orders for manufactured items and ensure sufficient materials are available for production and service requirements. A key part of the position will be driving effective material pull systems, including Min/Max, Kanban and MRP, to ensure target shipment dates and pull-forwards are achieved.

You’ll guide buyers on tactical execution and lead the wider supply chain team to ensure supplier performance supports business and customer requirements. You’ll also work closely with Finance on annual and periodic cycle counts, inventory accuracy and material queries, while identifying opportunities to reduce costs and improve stock control. Inventory, Planning & Supply Chain Leader
- Benefits Salary up to £48,000 DOE 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays Free on-site parking Healthcare cash plan Bonus scheme Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Access to a staff discount website Peer-to-peer recognition platform Supportive, close-knit working environment Varied position with genuine ownership Opportunity to influence processes and improve planning performance Stable, well-established manufacturing business Long-term development opportunities Inventory, Planning & Supply Chain Leader

- Key Responsibilities Lead and manage members of the materials/supply chain team, including buyers Schedule, plan, procure and monitor materials to meet production and customer requirements Lead the scheduling and release of Work Orders for manufactured items Manage inventory levels and ensure sufficient materials are available for production and service Utilise ERP systems and LEAN material pull methods including Min/Max, Kanban and MRP Maintain accurate and up-to-date inventory and master parts data Analyse inventory and supply-chain data to identify opportunities for improvement Drive inventory levels against agreed targets Develop and maintain effective inventory and material-control processes Work with Finance to resolve material and supply queries and support cycle counts Lead the supply chain team to improve supplier performance and ensure customer demand is met Work closely with Sales, Warehouse, Manufacturing, R&D and Production Engineering Support the NPD process by defining suppliers and procuring materials Ensure new parts are correctly created and maintained within the ERP system Drive material cost improvements through PPV projects and support VAVE activities Work with suppliers to mitigate potential material cost increases Identify and implement continuous-improvement initiatives across inventory, planning and supply chain Inventory, Planning & Supply Chain Leader
- Requirements A strong manufacturing background, with planning and scheduling experience Previous experience managing or leading others, ideally within materials, planning, purchasing or supply chain…