Head of Inventory (Interim)

Job Description

Reporting to: CCO

Location: 5th Floor, HYLO, 105 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8LZ

Working pattern: Hybrid - minimum of two days per week in the office; up to three days per week working from home

Department: Inventory & Operations

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on experience

Duration: Twelve-month fixed-term contract

General Summary

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused head of inventory to lead inventory strategy and supply chain performance across Bonnier Books UK on a twelve-month maternity cover basis.

Responsible for overseeing inventory management, stock strategy, and operational performance across the business. The role provides strategic direction and decision-making support across reprints, stock planning, availability, and wider supply chain activity, while ensuring strong day-to-day operational delivery through the Inventory & Operations team.

Working closely with Publishing, Sales, Production, Finance, and Distribution, the successful candidate will drive stock optimisation, cost control, process improvement, and service performance, while ensuring continuity across key operational workflows and business-critical projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead inventory management, with accountability for stock optimisation, print strategy, and overstock/remainder management

• Ensure strong title availability and efficient stock flow from print through to customer fulfilment

• Oversee operational cost management and identify opportunities to improve efficiency across the supply chain

• Monitor and improve operational performance across distribution and fulfilment, ensuring effective delivery during key trading periods

• Act as the senior escalation point for inventory and supply chain issues, driving timely resolution and informed decision-making

• Drive process improvement, reporting enhancements, and systems development across inventory and supply chain workflows

• Support key operational and strategic initiatives, including POD, ASR, cost optimisation, and international stock management

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong experience in inventory management, supply chain, or stock operations

• Experience within publishing, retail, FMCG, or another product-led environment

• Strong analytical, forecasting, and reporting capability

• Experience managing supplier relationships, operational budgets, and cost control

• Ability to prioritise effectively and operate confidently in a fast-paced environment

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across teams

• Experience leading, developing, and supporting teams

• Knowledge of distribution, warehouse operations, and print supply chains would be advantageous

• Experience delivering process improvement or operational change initiatives would be beneficial

• Commercially aware, highly organised, and detail-oriented

• Proactive, collaborative, and calm under pressure

Company Benefits

• Private health insurance
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Lively social committee hosting regular events
• Group Life cover - including 24-hour GP service
• Company-funded gym membership for all trade staff
• Comprehensive staff training and mentorship programmes
• Flexible working and flexible hours from day one of employment
• Additional holiday allowance accrued for long service – and a full bonus week of holiday to celebrate your 10th year at BBUK
• Enhanced family leave - with equal six months’ paid leave for all new parents
• Employee assistance programme available to all employees and their families
• Dedicated volunteering hours each year to support charities promoting literacy and reading for pleasure
• Cycle to work scheme with bike storage and changing facilities on-site at our London HQ
• Wellbeing programme and daily benefits such as fresh fruit and porridge in the office

If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website. We look forward to hearing from you.