Full job descriptionInventory Planner
Location: Colchester, Essex
Contract: Minimum 3 Month temporary Contract
Hours: Full Time
Start Date: ASAP
The Opportunity
An established manufacturing business specialising in engineered industrial products is seeking an experienced Inventory Planner to join its supply chain team on an initial 3-month contract. The company designs and manufactures specialist ventilation and air movement solutions used across a variety of commercial, industrial and life safety applications. [woodsairmovement.com]
This is a key role within the planning function, responsible for ensuring material availability, maintaining optimal inventory levels, and supporting efficient production operations. The successful candidate will be a strong problem solver with previous supply chain planning experience in a manufacturing environment and the ability to make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced setting.
Key Responsibilities
*Develop and maintain inventory plans to support production schedules and customer demand.
*Monitor stock levels, material consumption, supplier lead times, and forecast requirements.
*Work closely with Purchasing, Production, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to ensure continuity of supply.
*Identify potential material shortages and implement corrective actions to avoid production disruption.
*Analyse inventory performance and drive improvements in stock accuracy and availability.
*Manage excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory whilst maintaining service levels.
*Maintain accurate planning data and system parameters within ERP/MRP systems.
*Produce inventory reports, KPI analysis, and recommendations for management.
*Investigate supply chain issues, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
*Support continuous improvement initiatives across inventory management and planning processes.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
*Proven experience as an Inventory Planner, Supply Chain Planner, Materials Planner, Production Planner, or similar role.
*Previous experience working within a manufacturing environment.
*Strong understanding of ERP/MRP planning systems.
*Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
*Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
*Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
*Excellent communication skills and experience working with cross-functional teams.
Desirable
*Experience within engineering, industrial manufacturing, or technical product sectors.
*Understanding of inventory optimisation and stock control methodologies.
*Supply chain qualifications such as CIPS, APICS, or equivalent.
Personal Attributes
*Analytical and detail-oriented.
*Proactive and solutions-focused.
*Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of issues.
*Strong stakeholder management skills.
*Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
*Continuous improvement mindset with a hands-on approach.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced manufacturing supply chain professional who can quickly assess challenges, improve inventory performance, and ensure materials are available to support production demand. This role would suit someone who enjoys solving problems, working with data, and driving tangible improvements within a busy manufacturing environment.
Full Time | Colchester | Minimum 3-Month Contract | Immediate Start Available