Master Data & Inventory Lead

This role is the bridge between operational efficiency and financial integrity. As the Master Data & Inventory Lead, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of material data within our SAP ecosystem. You aren't just managing entries; you are ensuring that every byte of data translates into accurate physical stock and seamless financial reporting. By partnering closely with Finance and driving a culture of continuous improvement, you will eliminate data silos and optimise our supply chain’s "source of truth." This position will also be responsible for the management, mentoring and development of the Master Data team in Stockport.

Key Responsibilities:

• SAP Data Governance: Act as the primary gatekeeper for SAP Master Data (Material Master, BOMs, Info Records). Ensure all data creation and maintenance follow global standards and naming conventions.
• Inventory Integrity: Lead the reconciliation process between physical stock and SAP records. Oversee cycle counting programs and investigate discrepancies to find root causes.
• Financial Partnership: Work hand-in-hand with the Finance Department to ensure inventory valuations and COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) are accurate and transparent through monthly mini cost rolls and quarterly MAKE part lot size review.
• Continuous Improvement (CI): Identify process bottlenecks and implement Lean methodologies to streamline data workflows. Lead automation projects to reduce manual data entry and human error. Develop and monitor KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for data accuracy and inventory turns
• Audit & Compliance: Maintain a rigorous audit trail for all data changes. Ensure the organisation remains compliant with internal controls and external regulatory requirements.
• Training & Mentorship: Serve as the SAP Subject Matter Expert (SME), training Master Data and cross-functional teams on best practices for data entry and inventory movement.

Skills and experience:

• Advanced proficiency in SAP or another ERP system
• Proven experience in Master Data Management (MDM), Inventory Control, or Supply Chain Analytics.
• Expert-level Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Power Pivot) and experience with BI tools for data visualization (preferred, not essential).
• Strong stakeholder management; the ability to "speak Finance" to accountants and "speak Shop" to warehouse staff.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field (desired, not essential).

We offer:

• Competitive Salary & Bonus Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Health Cash Plan
• EAP scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• 23 days annual leave rising to 26 with service
• Holiday Purchasing (up to 37.5 hours per year)