Inventory Manager

A global manufacturing engineering business requires an experienced Inventory Manager to take ownership of SAP-driven inventory planning, master data governance and MRP execution across a complex manufacturing environment.

This is not a role for a transactional SAP user. We are seeking an individual with deep expertise in SAP MRP, Production Planning (PP) and Materials Management (MM) who understands how planning outputs are generated, can troubleshoot data and system issues, and optimise planning parameters to improve inventory performance and material availability.

Working within the Supply Chain & Operations function, the Inventory Manager will act as the subject matter expert for SAP planning processes, ensuring master data integrity, inventory optimisation and the effective execution of material and production planning activities.

Key Responsibilities

Own and govern SAP MRP processes across the manufacturing operation.
Maintain and improve the integrity of material masters, BOMs, routings, work centres and planning parameters.
Analyse and troubleshoot MRP outputs, investigating root causes of planning exceptions, shortages and inaccurate inventory positions.
Lead inventory optimisation activities, balancing service levels, working capital and material availability.
Review and optimise planning settings including safety stock, reorder points, lot sizes and lead times.
Monitor inventory performance and drive corrective actions to reduce excess, obsolete and slow-moving stock.
Work closely with Procurement, Production, Engineering and Customer Service to ensure planning data accurately reflects operational requirements.
Utilise SAP transactions and reporting tools to identify trends, improve planning accuracy and support decision-making.
Act as the SAP planning and master data expert, supporting continuous improvement and system enhancement initiatives.

Candidate Requirements

Significant experience in Inventory Management, Materials Planning, Production Planning or Supply Chain Planning within a manufacturing environment.
Advanced SAP expertise, particularly within PP (Production Planning), MM (Materials Management) and MRP functionality.
Strong understanding of how SAP planning outputs are generated and how master data impacts inventory and production plans.
Experience troubleshooting MRP issues, planning exceptions, master data inaccuracies and inventory discrepancies.
Working knowledge of SAP transactions such as MD01, MD02, MD04, MB52, ME2N and associated planning tools.
Experience managing and maintaining material masters, BOMs, routings, work centres and planning parameters.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with experience working across supply chain, procurement, production and engineering functions