Inventory & Demand Planning Specialist - Southampton

Role Overview

Responsible for ensuring effective supply chain planning, inventory optimization, and reporting across the network. Acts as a key link between customer service, suppliers, and internal planning teams to deliver accurate forecasts, resolve supply issues, and maintain optimal service levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage inventory policies, safety stock, and service levels to optimize supply chain performance.

• Validate planning lead times and align supply with demand through planned orders and deployments.

• Monitor and resolve supply and distribution exceptions, ensuring clear communication with stakeholders.

• Collaborate with demand planners, purchasing planners, production schedulers, and suppliers to ensure constraint visibility and capacity alignment.

• Maintain and update master data, planning BOMs, and system parameters in advanced planning tools (eg, KXS Rapid Response).

• Share forecasts with suppliers and ensure supplier raw material availability.

• Approve automation and stockholding policies based on segmentation strategies.

• Drive continuous improvement by simplifying processes and ensuring high-quality reporting.

Skills & Experience

• 1-3 years' experience in planning, logistics, or manufacturing (commercial exposure advantageous).

• Strong analytical and digital skills with solid supply chain process knowledge.

• Proficiency in advanced planning systems, CI tools, and agile concepts.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with evidence of leadership traits such as resilience, curiosity, and decision-making in ambiguity.

Education

• University degree (Supply Chain or related field preferred).

• Advanced planning system expertise is an advantage.