Assistant Manager - Buying

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

• Oversee and manage the inventory for the Farm Division, ensuring optimal stock levels that support continuous manufacturing operations without interruption.
• Analyse consumption patterns and production forecasts to strategically plan inventory replenishment and procurement schedules.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, quality assurance, and manufacturing teams to align inventory strategies with operational and compliance requirements.
• Implement and monitor precise inventory control procedures, including audit protocols and loss prevention measures to minimise waste and financial risk.
• Lead and mentor a team of MLL staff in the stores department, fostering professional growth and operational excellence within the team.
• Participate actively in inventory planning meetings, contributing insights to enhance stock management policies, approval processes, and cost-efficiency initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvements in inventory accuracy, supply chain efficiency, and lead time reductions through process optimisation initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects to anticipate and address supply chain challenges, including those related to market variability and seasonal demand fluctuations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory standards related to inventory handling and safety.
• Support robust communication channels across departments to ensure transparency and agility in supply chain management.

Preferred Industries

Education Qualification

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor of Engineering degree, particularly in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline, providing a strong foundation in manufacturing systems and supply chain logistics.

Proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, inventory management software, and data analytics is essential to efficiently manage stock levels and generate actionable insights for decision-making.

Additional qualifications or certifications in supply chain management, logistics, or materials planning are highly regarded and indicative of a commitment to ongoing professional development.

We value continuous learning and encourage candidates who actively engage in knowledge sharing and cross-team collaboration to enhance operational effectiveness and innovation.

Your educational background should equip you with the skills necessary to apply theoretical concepts to the practical challenges of inventory management in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

General Experience

Candidates should bring three to five years of demonstrated experience in inventory control, supply chain logistics, or materials management, preferably within the automotive or related manufacturing sectors.

Experience should include inventory planning, conducting stock audits, implementing loss prevention techniques, and managing teams to deliver operational targets.

Experience with quality control measures, continuous process improvements, and adherence to safety protocols within a manufacturing context is essential.

Proficiency in integrating technology to enhance inventory visibility, tracking, and reporting will strengthen the candidate's ability to drive excellence in store management.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams and projects are also important for successful performance in this role.

Critical Experience

Critical experience for this role includes comprehensive management of the entire inventory lifecycle from procurement through warehousing to distribution, ensuring alignment with production schedules and financial goals.

Proven ability to maintain optimal inventory levels that minimise the risk of stockouts or overstocking, balancing cost control and operational readiness.

Demonstrated success in collaborating with procurement, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to secure timely availability of materials while ensuring compliance with company standards.

Track record of implementing loss prevention strategies to safeguard inventory against theft, damage, or obsolescence is vital.

Strong leadership skills are required to effectively manage and develop staff, cultivate high-performance teams, and promote a collaborative work environment.

The ability to adapt quickly to supply chain disruptions, coupled with advanced data analysis and forecasting capabilities, is essential to maintain seamless operations within the stores and support manufacturing demands.

System Generated Core Skills

System Generated Secondary Skills