Inventory Planner - Central Procurement
SK AeroSafety Group
Location: Wokingham, Berkshire
Full Time, Permanent
Competitive Salary + Benefits
Help Keep Aviation Safe
SK AeroSafety Group, through its global group of MRO’s, specialises in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of critical aircraft safety and interior components. Support airlines and aviation operators worldwide, helping to ensure safety, reliability and exceptional service across the global aviation industry.
We are seeking a commercially minded and data-driven Inventory Planner to join our Central Procurement team. This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the right aviation components are available at the right place and time across our global operations. Working closely with Procurement, Sales, Workshop and Logistics teams, you will use forecasting, planning and inventory optimisation techniques to support operational performance, customer service and business growth.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the Inventory Planner will play a central role in managing inventory performance across multiple SK AeroSafety Group locations. You will analyse demand trends, forecast future requirements and optimise stock holdings to ensure critical aircraft components are available when needed while minimising excess inventory and working capital.
The role combines inventory planning, data analysis and strategic procurement support, requiring close collaboration with operational teams across the business. You will help drive consistency in planning processes, improve inventory visibility through reporting and dashboards, and support critical Aircraft on Ground (AOG) requirements to maintain outstanding service levels for our aviation customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Forecast demand for aviation parts and materials using historical trends, operational requirements and maintenance schedules.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels whilst minimising excess, obsolete and ageing stock.
- Coordinate with Sales, Procurement and Workshop teams to align inventory strategies with business needs.
- Monitor lead times, usage rates and repair turnaround times to improve planning accuracy.
- Analyse inventory performance metrics such as stock turnover, fill rates and backorders.
- Develop and maintain reports and dashboards to monitor inventory performance and support decision-making.
- Review and validate inventory data to ensure record accuracy and forecast reliability.
- Utilise ERP/MRP systems to extract, analyse and interpret inventory information.
- Optimise stock control parameters including safety stock, reordering levels and inventory planning settings.
- Work proactively with suppliers, logistics providers and repair organisations to minimise supply chain disruption.
- Support Aircraft on Ground (AOG) requirements and other critical operational priorities.
- Ensure inventory planning activities comply with aviation regulations and internal quality standards.
Person Profile
We're looking for someone who combines strong analytical capability with commercial awareness, planning expertise and a proactive approach to problem solving.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 3 years' experience in inventory management, procurement or supply chain operations.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, lookups and data analysis.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems for inventory planning and reporting.
- Excellent data analysis and forecasting skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
- Self-motivated, organised and results focused.
Desirable Requirements
- Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration or similar discipline.
- APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) qualification or equivalent professional certification.
- Experience within aviation, aerospace, engineering or regulated industries.
- Knowledge of Power BI, Tableau or similar business intelligence platforms.
- Understanding of inventory optimisation techniques including ABC analysis, safety stock and reorder point planning.
- Experience working in a multi-site or centralised procurement environment
What You'll Bring
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent planning and organisational abilities.
- Commercial awareness and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Confidence interpreting complex data and making recommendations.
- The ability to build strong working relationships across multiple departments.
- A proactive approach to identifying risks and opportunities within the supply chain.
- A passion for delivering operational excellence and customer service.
Why Join SK AeroSafety Group?
- Join a growing international aviation business supporting airlines and operators worldwide.
- Play a key role in ensuring the availability of safety-critical aircraft components.
- Work within a collaborative and highly specialised procurement and supply chain team.
- Use data, analytics and continuous improvement principles to influence business performance.
- Develop your career within a dynamic and expanding aviation environment where your ideas and expertise can make a genuine impact.
Pay: £30,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Private medical insurance
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wokingham
