Job Description

Stock Controller Buyer - Milton

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Stock Controller Buyer to join our Milton branch. This dual-function role combines strategic stock management with proactive procurement, requiring a professional who can balance operational efficiency with commercial acumen. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal stock levels, building supplier relationships, and supporting the branch's commercial objectives.

Essential Requirements

- Procurement Qualification: CIPS Certificate (Procurement and Supply) or equivalent professional qualification demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of purchasing principles, supplier management, and procurement best practices

- Proven experience in purchasing and stock control within a commercial environment

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to forecast demand and plan inventory requirements

- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities

- Proficiency in inventory management systems (experience with K8 would be advantageous)

- High level of accuracy and attention to detail

- Ability to work autonomously and use initiative when making purchasing decisions

Reporting structure

Group Trading Manager: For all procurement activities, purchasing decisions, supplier relationship management, and alignment with group-wide commercial strategy

Branch Manager, Milton: For stock control operations, inventory accuracy, branch logistics coordination, and day-to-day operational matters

Key Responsibilities

This role operates within a dual reporting structure, working closely with both the Group Trading Manager on procurement strategy and supplier management, and the Branch Manager on day-to-day stock control operations. The successful candidate will balance strategic purchasing decisions aligned with group commercial objectives while maintaining operational excellence in branch inventory management.

Purchasing Function

Procurement Operations

- Deliver aggressive cost savings and smarter purchasing decisions

- Raise purchase orders both on instruction and through own initiative, proactively contacting suppliers to maintain stock availability

- Process all purchasing paperwork including delivery notes and order acknowledgments

- Book stock into K8 at correct units and prices to support the accounts team

- Liaise with other branches when ordering to ensure minimum order quantities are met and best prices are achieved, whilst balancing company cash flow management and seasonal considerations

- Assist with introduction of new product lines, including pricing and reporting on success rate

- Streamline, digitalise, and improve purchasing systems and reporting

Supplier Relationship Management

- Build and maintain strong professional relationships with existing suppliers

- Communicate confidently and professionally with suppliers on all product lines

- Handle day-to-day supplier communications relating to product enquiries, availability, pricing, and delivery schedules

Commercial Support

- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all product lines and specifications

- Assist with communications regarding product information and technical guides

- Analyse stock levels across multiple branches under supervision to identify inter-branch purchasing opportunities

- Support cross-branch collaboration to optimise purchasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness

- Use data, market insights, and advanced Excel analysis to optimise buying decisions and track supplier performance.

- Collaborate with warehouse, sales, and finance teams to drive overall business profitability

Stock Control Function

Stock Planning & Forecasting

- Assist in the development and maintenance of forward planning strategies to anticipate stock requirements

- Make informed recommendations for stock ordering based on demand analysis, seasonality, and business trends

- Monitor stock levels across multiple product lines to prevent shortages and overstocking

- Implement company Works Order processes effectively, communicating with yard operatives to maintain optimal stock levels

- Process supplier delivery documentation promptly and accurately

Stock Accuracy & Management

- Work collaboratively with the Yard Supervisor to always ensure 100% stock accuracy

- Coordinate and arrange regular branch stock counts to maintain inventory integrity

- Report and record all branch stock breakages in accordance with company procedures

- Ensure all stock-related paperwork is accurately inputted and completed in K8 within required timescales

Logistics Coordination

- Follow company stock transfer processes, liaising with the Logistics Department to minimise branch stock-outs

What We Offer

- Competitive salary

- Opportunity to develop procurement and supply chain expertise

- Supportive team environment

- Career progression opportunities

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and cover letter via Indeed.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 35,000.00 per year

Experience:

Purchasing: 3 years (preferred) Stock Control: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person