Inventory & Asset Control Manager
Location
UK Hybrid | Birmingham and remote
Regular travel to operational and warehouse sites
Day Rate
Up to £510 inside IR35 via umbrella
3 - 6 month initial contract
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Inventory & Asset Control Manager to take ownership of inventory governance, stock integrity, asset recovery and obsolescence management across a complex operational environment.
This is a strategically important role responsible for establishing trusted inventory controls across multiple locations, systems and partner networks. You'll play a key role in driving inventory accuracy, optimising asset utilisation, reducing working capital exposure and strengthening audit compliance.
Working closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Digital and external partners, you will ensure robust inventory management processes are in place while identifying opportunities to recover, redeploy and maximise the value of existing assets.
Key Responsibilities
Establish and maintain a trusted inventory baseline across systems, warehouses and other asset holding locations.
Develop and implement controls for stock movements, reconciliations, adjustments and cycle counting processes.
Lead inventory discrepancy investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
Create and manage asset recovery programmes for returned, stranded and reusable inventory.
Drive asset redeployment initiatives to maximise reuse before new purchases are considered.
Manage aged and obsolete inventory, coordinating refurbishment, resale, recycling or disposal activities where appropriate.
Strengthen returns and RMA processes with operational teams, suppliers and logistics partners.
Ensure inventory records, audit trails and supporting documentation meet financial, compliance and governance requirements.
Produce management information and reporting to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
What You'll Bring
Essential
Significant experience within inventory control, asset management or supply chain operations.
Strong understanding of stock reconciliation, inventory controls and audit requirements.
Experience managing returns, asset recovery, refurbishment or obsolescence programmes.
Knowledge of inventory valuation, provisioning and working capital management.
Ability to analyse complex data sets and drive insight-led decision-making.
Experience working cross-functionally with operations, finance, technology and third-party partners.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Desirable
Experience restoring or establishing inventory management baselines.
Knowledge of technology, telecommunications or engineering asset lifecycles.
Experience improving inventory audit performance and compliance standards.
Familiarity with ERP, inventory management or warehouse management systems.
Success in This Role
You'll be successful if you can:
Deliver high levels of inventory accuracy and stock visibility.
Improve governance, controls and compliance across inventory operations.
Increase the recovery and reuse of existing assets, reducing unnecessary spend.
Reduce inventory write-offs, obsolescence costs and compliance risk.
Build trusted relationships across operational, commercial and finance teams.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to lead inventory governance within a large-scale operational environment where you'll have a genuine impact on cost optimisation, asset utilisation and business performance. You'll work with senior stakeholders, influence strategic decisions and help shape best practice across the wider supply chain function
