Inventory Controller

Title:Inventory Controller

Imagine working at the forefront of innovation in fluid-flow technology, with over 1400 colleagues across the globe, and contributing to a legacy of excellence that spans eight manufacturing facilities on four continents. Armstrong Fluid Technology is more than just a leader in our industry; we are a community of the brightest and most creative minds, driven by a shared mission to engineer the future and safeguard our planet.

As a member of our team, you'll dive into an environment that encourages learning and boundary-pushing every day. You'll be part of an agile and dynamic workplace where today's solutions are built for tomorrow's challenges.

The Inventory Controller is responsible for maintaining the integrity, accuracy and optimisation of inventory. The role focuses on analysing inventory performance, driving stock accuracy, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and working collaboratively with Purchasing, Production, Quality and Engineering to minimise inventory risk, reduce obsolete stock and improve overall inventory efficiency. The Inventory Controller plays a key role in supporting operational performance through robust inventory governance, reporting and process improvement.

Key Accountabilities

Inventory Control & Accuracy

• Analyse inventory accuracy and identify trends requiring corrective action.
• Schedule, plan and implement regular stock verification activities, including perpetual inventory (PI) counting programmes and bi-annual stock counts where required.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions to improve stock accuracy.
• Review adjustment order transactions, identify root causes and implement controls to reduce recurring issues.
• Maintain accurate inventory records within the ERP system and ensure inventory integrity across all storage locations.
• Support inventory reconciliations and audit activities.

Inventory Analysis & Optimisation

• Analyse inventory ageing reports and work collaboratively with Purchasing and Engineering to utilise, transfer or dispose of ageing stock.
• Analyse obsolete inventory reports and coordinate actions with Purchasing and Engineering to minimise obsolete inventory holdings.
• Review non-allocated inventory (including CST, CU, Down Payment Lines, Service Items and similar transactions) and ensure material is allocated correctly or recommend BOM amendments where appropriate.
• Identify excess, slow-moving and surplus inventory and recommend actions to optimise inventory levels.
• Monitor inventory trends and recommend improvements to stocking policies.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support inventory Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives.
• Develop and implement inventory management improvements.
• Identify opportunities to simplify inventory processes and improve efficiency.
• Support implementation of best practice inventory management techniques.

Reporting & Performance

• Develop and maintain Inventory KPI reporting, including recommendations for new performance measures where required.
• Monitor key inventory metrics including stock accuracy, adjustment trends, ageing inventory, obsolete inventory and inventory health.
• Present findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

Inventory Review & Governance

• Review and report on Quarantine inventory, ensuring timely resolution and escalation where required.
• Review Goods In queried material and work with relevant departments to resolve outstanding issues.
• Review Stores NCRs and support with actions, to completion.
• Escalate unresolved inventory issues to appropriate departments.
• Ensure inventory processes comply with company procedures and audit requirements.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Production Planning, Quality and Manufacturing teams to resolve inventory issues.
• Support Engineering with BOM accuracy improvements where inventory trends identify opportunities.
• Liaise with stakeholders regarding inventory shortages, excess stock and inventory optimisation initiatives.
• Provide inventory expertise to support operational decision making.

Health & Safety

• Follow all warehouse safety procedures and company guidelines.
• Ensure safe working practices are maintained within all inventory areas.
• Operate material handling equipment where authorised.
• Support good housekeeping standards throughout warehouse locations.

What We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should bring:

Essential

• Previous experience in Inventory Control within a manufacturing, engineering or warehouse environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory management principles and stock control techniques.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (LN preferred but not essential).
• Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyse inventory data.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail with high levels of accuracy.
• Experience investigating stock discrepancies and identifying root causes.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple activities.
• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to work across multiple departments.
• Continuous Improvement mindset with experience identifying process improvements.

Desirable

• Experience with cycle counting or perpetual inventory programmes.
• Knowledge of ABC inventory management.
• Understanding of BOM structures within manufacturing.
• Experience developing KPI reporting and dashboards.
• Experience supporting inventory audits.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Forklift licence (if operational support is occasionally required).

Why Armstrong Fluid Technology?

By joining us, you’ll become part of a global community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of fluid-flow technology. You’ll have endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a significant impact on the world. Together, we'll build tomorrow’s solutions today.