Inventory Manager

• A market leader in agrochemical products is seeking an Inventory Manager to oversee the effective management of two maintenance stores, the packaging material (bag) store, and the PPE store. The role ensures optimal inventory availability, accuracy, and control while leading a team to deliver operational excellence, strict compliance with safety and quality standards, and cost-effective stock management aligned with business objectives.

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in warehouse or inventory management, with at least 3 years in a chemical or manufacturing environment
• Proven hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) or a similar ERP system
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis/reporting tools
• Sound knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 45001, OHSACT, and SHERQ standards and their practical application in a warehouse environment
• Demonstrated experience in planning, forecasting, and interpreting inventory data
• Proven leadership experience in managing supervisors and store teams
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to compile clear reports and present to senior management
• Hands-on management style with high visibility in the operational areas and a strong work ethic

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the end-to-end daily operations of the maintenance stores, bag store, and PPE store, including receipts, issues, returns, and planned orders.
• Maintaining accurate stock records and data integrity within the Microsoft D365 ERP system and ensuring all inventory transactions are correctly captured and processed.
• Planning, coordinating, and executing four full stock takes per year (biannual physical counts for MRO spares and monthly counts for the bag store) and promptly investigating and resolving all stock variances.
• Monitoring stock levels, setting and maintaining appropriate reorder points, and managing the timely ordering and receipting of spares and packaging materials to prevent both stock-outs and excessive inventory.
• Optimising warehouse layout, space utilisation, and storage practices while implementing inventory best practices to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Ensuring the quality, traceability, and correct storage of all spare parts, bags, and PPE, including the maintenance of material certificates and safety data sheets.
• Managing bag store operations to guarantee uninterrupted and timely supply of packaging materials to production.
• Ensuring full compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 45001, OHSACT, and SHERQ standards, including safe stacking and storage requirements, and conducting regular warehouse inspections and housekeeping audits.
• Driving a strong safety culture across all storage areas, managing gas cylinder audits and rental records, and maintaining impeccable housekeeping standards.
• Monitoring and controlling departmental expenditure, preparing annual budget forecasts, reviewing monthly expense reports, and ensuring accurate allocation of delivery and handling costs to inventory.
• Leading, coaching, and developing a team of supervisors, store personnel, and a quality controller through performance management, training, standby scheduling, timesheet management, and succession planning.
• Conducting weekly team and safety meetings, individual development discussions, and fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Preparing and presenting accurate monthly departmental performance reports, KPI dashboards, stock value reports, obsolete and slow-moving stock analyses, and participating in daily management and monthly business review meetings.
• Developing and executing long-term inventory strategies, including demand planning around peak periods and shutdowns, and providing management with proactive insights on trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Driving continuous improvement in inventory processes, item specifications, categorisation, purchase order workflows, and stock transfer procedures while collaborating with Procurement, Production, and Quality teams and supporting sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.