Inventory Controller

Asahi UK (AUK), part of Asahi Europe & International Ltd, aims to enrich consumer experiences through innovation, high-quality service and an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands including, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Meantime, Fuller’s London Pride and Cornish Orchards. Our aim is to be the leading super premium beer business in the UK, through a brand mix that creates a compelling proposition. At AUK we operate as an end to end business unit responsible for sales, marketing, customer operations, production, supply chain and wholesale operations in the UK & Ireland. For further information, visit www.asahibeer.co.uk

Asahi Europe & International is a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, a global beverage and food company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. Employing > 12,000 people, Asahi Europe & International is the custodian for leading super premium lager brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch, Asahi Super Dry, plus international Czech lager brands, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel. The business has world-class brewing and production facilities in 8 markets – UK, NL, ITL, PL, CZ, SK, HU, RO. In most of these markets, we are the leading brewer with full portfolio of famous brands. Commercial operations in other parts of Europe, USA, Canada, LatAm, Africa and Asia are served through our global distribution network. With state-of-the-art facilities, some of the best brewers in the world, quality ingredients, and a culture based on innovation and collaboration, Asahi offers the best quality of beer to beer lovers worldwide. More information can be found at www.asahiinternational.com

Inventory Controller - HG14

The Inventory Controller is responsible for the effective management of inventory and assets within the supply chain to ensure that agreed processes, stock control and product quality standards are maintained across all warehouses in our network.  

Key accountabilities
 
The Inventory Controller is responsible for the following key outputs and accountabilities:

3PL Inventory:

• Responsible for ensuring that beer stock in the 3PL warehouse network is represented accurately in the SAP system by:
  • Monitoring EDI messages between systems and fixing failures.
  • Managing the daily stock reconciliation process between systems, resolving any discrepancies as they arise.
• Ensure stock life balances are managed, querying malpractice with 3PLs where necessary. 
• Manage aged (and aging) stock to minimise stock write-offs. 
• Ensure that 3PL stock has the appropriate status (i.e., blocked / damaged / destruction) and that this is visible to the wider Supply Chain team. Instruct 3PLs to block stock that is no longer sellable. 
• Responsible for ensuring that damaged stock is promptly reworked to maximise stock availability. 
• Ensure Cycle counts are carried out regularly and through an appropriate process to maintain high level of inventory accuracy
• Lead the Annual Stock Counts in conjunction with 3PLs and external auditors. Fully investigate and report discrepancies, ensuring that system adjustments are made retrospectively and that findings are reported to finance business partners. 

Returns, Damages & Destruction:

• Ensure returned/damaged stock is promptly reworked to support with stock availability and to reduce stock losses.
• Proactively flag aged & aging stock to key internal stakeholders to facilitate sales and mitigate stock losses. 
• Coordinate the prompt destruction of expired stock, in line with HMRC requirements, to create warehouse space & to support with empty keg supply. 
• Support with the recovery of excise duty drawback by liaising with warehouse and tax stakeholders
• Produce and Monitor 3PL KPIs reporting back to Inventory Manager
• Analyse and record monthly destruction costs.  

Asset Management:

• Responsible for the management of CHEP pallets ensuring:
  • CHEP Pallet movements are correctly reported to CHEP management provider
  • Maintain good relationships with CHEP contacts and CHEP management provider, Logloval
  • Arrange quarterly pallet stock counts
  • Approve invoices for CHEP management
• Work closely with warehouses and manufacturing sites to ensure that they conform to appropriate processes and procedures to protect the integrity of assets and stock.

Miscellaneous:

• Additional responsibilities as required by the Inventory Manager 
• Support with the delivery of strategic projects
• Maintain SOP and training materials
• Approve invoices in the Concur system

Experience and Attributes required

• Relevant supply chain experience, preferably in FMCG or drinks industry
• System experience in an ERP environment (specific SAP experience desirable)
• Intermediate Excel skills (Pivot tables, Vlookups)
• Experience with inventory management desirable
• Customer or supplier relationship management exposure
• Experience in a fast-paced, high volume, detailed and process driven organisation  
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Can work calmly under pressure
• Ability to problem solve
• Process improvement mindset
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Whats on tap

• Annual bonus
• Private pension
• Medical and dental health cash plan
• Life assurance
• Beer allowance

We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Asahi Europe and International we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs.  We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.