Stock & Supply Chain Manager

About the RoleFlair Rugs is a fast-growing wholesale business operating in a dynamic retail environment where customer demand can shift quickly and global supply chains bring real operational complexity. As a result, strong inventory management is critical to the success of the business. We are therefore seek a Stock & Supply Chain Manager to take ownership of this vital area, playing a central role in ensuring the right balance between product availability, working capital discipline, and warehouse capacity.This is a high-impact role within the organisation, responsible for translating Flair’s inventory strategy into operational reality while leading the Stock Control team. The pace is high and priorities can evolve quickly, so the role will suit someone who enjoys solving operational challenges and taking real ownership of outcomes. This role will particularly appeal to someone who enjoys tackling complex operational problems and takes pride in seeing issues through to resolution.At the same time, Flair is a business built on strong family values. We support each other, collaborate across teams, and take pride in developing our people. Many colleagues have grown their careers within the business, and we actively invest in individuals who want to build long-term careers and take on greater responsibility over time.Role PurposeTo ensure the business consistently has the right stock, in the right place, at the right time, while balancing service levels, working capital, and warehouse capacity through disciplined stock control & replenishment management with a mix of factories across the world.Key ResponsibilitiesStock Availability & Service PerformanceOwn SKU availability and stock performance across the range.Identify emerging stock risks early and ensure proactive course correction.Balance competing priorities - Service, Space, Cash and Vendors.Ensure core products are protected while managing risk across slower-moving SKUs.Gate keep SKU count based on hurdle rates to ensure stock healthStock Investment & Working Capital ControlOwn stock investment against agreed targets (stock value and stock days).Actively manage overstock, slow-moving, and aged inventory.Work closely with Commercial and Finance teams to manage stock-buy decisions, range changes, and stock clearance strategies.Ensure inventory decisions support both service delivery and financial discipline.Replenishment Strategy, Governance & ExecutionTranslate inventory policy into clear replenishment rules (Min/Max levels, ordering cadence, supplier order cycles).Ensure stock ordering processes are executed accurately and consistently.Maintain forward visibility of the supply pipeline and manage replenishment risks.Monitor supplier lead times, supply constraints, and inbound stock performance.Partner with factories driven by continuous improvement in ways of workingOwn relationship with our Forwarding and Shipping agents, and negotiate annual freight contracts.Sales & Stock AnalysisAnalyse sales, stock cover, and forecasts to inform replenishment decisions.Provide structured reporting and insights to senior management on stock performance.Use data-driven analysis to improve stock planning and decision-making.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Product, Sales, Warehouse, Sourcing, and Finance teams.Ensure inventory decisions support wider business priorities.Coordinate inbound stock flow with warehouse capacity planning.Maintain effective communication across functions to manage supply risks.Team Leadership & Capability DevelopmentLead and develop the Stock Control team to operate with strong discipline and accountability.Establish a clear operating rhythm (weekly reviews, escalation processes).Coach and develop team members to strengthen analytical and planning capability.Build a culture focused on ownership and continuous improvement.Process Improvement & Systems DevelopmentImprove stock planning processes, reporting, and operational efficiency.Support ongoing development of stock-related systems (ERP, WMS, forecasting tools).Ensure high standards of data accuracy and process governance.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)SKU availability / service levelsStock investment vs target (stock days and stock value)Compliance to Min/ Max policyReplenishment execution discipline (ordering cycle compliance)Aged stock exposure (% stock over 6 / 9 / 12 months)Inventory accuracy and reporting reliabilitySKU Count disciplineCore Job SkillsStrong inventory planning capability (lead times, stock cover, replenishment logic)Strong understanding of freight and shippingAnalytical mindset with strong data interpretation skillsAdvanced Excel capability and confidence working with ERP systemsStructured and disciplined approach to planning and problem solvingCommercial awareness and understanding of service vs cash vs space trade-offsAbility to manage large SKU portfolios in complex supply chainsLeadership SkillsStrong people leadership and team development capabilityAbility to prioritize effectively in fast-moving operational environmentsDecisive decision-making under pressureCross-functional influencing skillsHigh ownership mindset with accountability for outcomesAbility to create clear structure, processes, and operating rhythmsWhat Good Looks LikeStock risks are visible well in advance rather than discovered too lateAvailability is stable with fewer emergency buys and reactive decisionsInventory levels are controlled and aligned with agreed targetsThe team operates with a consistent and disciplined planning processClear visibility exists across the business on stock position and supply risksWhat Great Looks LikeStock control is consistently proactive rather than reactiveInventory decisions are data-led and predictableThe stock control function becomes trusted across the businessInventory investment is concentrated in core products while long-tail risk is controlledProcesses and systems are scalable to support future growth of the businessThe team develops into a high-performing capability within the organizationWorth noting…This position may require occasional travel to trade shows, and factory locations overseas.A mainly office-based role, with flexibility to support individual and business needs.