Inventory & Purchasing Coordinator

Learning Resources Inc. is a leading global developer and manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational toys and learning aids trusted by teachers and parents and loved by children. Based in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, Learning Resources Ltd is responsible for marketing, selling and supplying these high-quality products to the territories of Europe, the Middle East, Africa & India serving children and their families, preschool, nursery and primary school markets. Learning Resources Ltd also sells and distributes a wide product range from our wider family of brands including Hand2Mind and Educational Insights as well as holding the global Master Toy License for Numberblocks.Team & Position DescriptionReporting to the Inventory Manager, the Inventory & Purchasing Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring stock availability and cost efficiency. This position is responsible for managing procurement, building and scheduling shipments, negotiating freight rates, and maintaining accurate shipping and invoice records. The role involves overseeing inbound logistics, tracking departure and arrival dates, and liaising with suppliers, shippers, and our 3PL partner to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods.What You Will Do Day To Day (responsibilities)Inventory Procurement & Management: Make purchasing decisions using ERP planned order requirements based on MOQ, price, container utilisation, and demand. Liaise with suppliers to place orders, build shipments to maximise container space, approve shipments, and ensure timely departures according to schedules.Forwarder Shipment Rates: Update and maintain forwarder rates in ERP and master Excel sheets on a fortnightly/monthly basis. Build strong relationships with forwarders to secure competitive rates and reliable service.Invoices: Receive, check, and approve invoices for purchasing, freight, and 3PL inbound charges promptly. Complete month-end processes and liaise with finance to resolve outstanding costs before deadlines.Data and KPI Tracking: Maintain accurate Excel and ERP records for inbound shipments to support 3PL resource planning and provide timely KPI reporting.Departmental Cover: Provide proactive cross-functional support during team absences to ensure continuity of operations and maintain service levels.What We Are Looking For (Key Performance Objectives)Optimise Inventory Procurement: Make weekly purchasing decisions using ERP data to meet MOQ, price, container utilisation, and demand targets, ensuring 98% product availability and minimal backorders.Maximise Container Utilisation & Cost Efficiency: Build shipments that optimise container space and reduce freight costs without compromising delivery schedules.Maintain Competitive Freight Rates: Update and validate forwarder rates in ERP and Excel on a fortnightly/monthly basis, benchmark against market standards, and secure best rates through strong supplier relationships.Ensure Invoice Accuracy & Timeliness: Process and approve all purchasing, freight, and 3PL invoices promptly, resolving queries within 48 hours and completing month-end processes by deadline.Maintain Accurate Data & KPI Reporting: Update ERP and Excel records for inbound shipments weekly to support 3PL resource planning and provide accurate KPI reports to management.Drive Process Improvements: Collaborate with the Inventory Manager to identify and implement at least two efficiency improvements annually.Requirements/Ideal AttributesExperience: Procurement background preferred; knowledge of shipping processes advantageous.Technical Skills: Proficient in inventory systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365) and intermediate Excel skills.Organisation: Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.Analytical: Strong attention to detail with problem-solving capability.Negotiation: Skilled in securing competitive rates with forwarders.Collaboration: Team-oriented with cross-functional experience.#hybrid#LearningresourcesUK