Stock Control Manager

About the Role

Flair 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 Control 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 Purpose

To 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 Responsibilities

Stock Availability & Service Performance

• Own 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 health

Stock Investment & Working Capital Control

• Own 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 & Execution

• Translate 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.
• Own ways of working with factories driven by continuous improvement

Sales & Stock Analysis

• Analyse 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 Collaboration

• Work 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 Development

• Lead 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 Development

• Improve 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 levels
• Stock investment vs target (stock days and stock value)
• Compliance to Min/ Max policy
• Replenishment execution discipline (ordering cycle compliance)
• Aged stock exposure (% stock over 6 / 9 / 12 months)
• Inventory accuracy and reporting reliability
• SKU Count discipline

Core Job Skills

• Strong inventory planning capability (lead times, stock cover, replenishment logic)
• Strong understanding of freight and shipping
• Analytical mindset with strong data interpretation skills
• Advanced Excel capability and confidence working with ERP systems
• Structured and disciplined approach to planning and problem solving
• Commercial awareness and understanding of service vs cash vs space trade-offs
• Ability to manage large SKU portfolios in complex supply chains

Leadership Skills

• Strong people leadership and team development capability
• Ability to prioritize effectively in fast-moving operational environments
• Decisive decision-making under pressure
• Cross-functional influencing skills
• High ownership mindset with accountability for outcomes
• Ability to create clear structure, processes, and operating rhythms

What Good Looks Like

• Stock risks are visible well in advance rather than discovered too late
• Availability is stable with fewer emergency buys and reactive decisions
• Inventory levels are controlled and aligned with agreed targets
• The team operates with a consistent and disciplined planning process
• Clear visibility exists across the business on stock position and supply risks

What Great Looks Like

• Stock control is consistently proactive rather than reactive
• Inventory decisions are data-led and predictable
• The stock control function becomes trusted across the business
• Inventory investment is concentrated in core products while long-tail risk is controlled
• Processes and systems are scalable to support future growth of the business
• The team develops into a high-performing capability within the organization

Worth noting…

• This position may require occasional travel to trade shows, and factory locations overseas.
• This role requires to be pre-dominantly in the office.