Supply Chain Coordinator

Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis - we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category

Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK

Location: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in Christchurch, Dorset)

Purpose of the role

To support the Supply Chain Manager and the S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) department in meeting the end-to-end requirements of our customer and supply partners. As Supply Chain Coordinator, you will be helping with the daily operations and running of the department, supporting both UK stocked products supplied through our distribution centre and export orders shipped directly from overseas factories to customers

Supporting all areas across Demand/Forecasting, Purchasing, Supply and Logistics, you will help maintain stock availability against customer demand and rates of sale, alongside coordinating purchase orders, production updates, shipments and deliveries. Using and maintaining our ERP system (SAP) will be a key part of your day-to-day activities, ensuring accurate and up-to-date supply information is available to support planning and decision-making

Working closely with the Commercial, Product, Technical and Operational teams, alongside suppliers and freight forwarders, the Supply Chain Coordinator will need remain flexible, adapt to changing business needs and proactively manage priorities

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Supply Chain Manager with day-to-day administration and coordination across UK stocked products and export orders
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information within SAP, including purchase orders, delivery dates, order status and item master data
• Prioritise work as required with regards to customer and Supply Chain demand, balancing daily administration with urgent operational requirements
• Attend S&OP and Supply Chain meetings, providing relevant data and updates to highlight risks, inform decisions and agree actions
• Raise purchase orders, obtain approvals, issue orders to suppliers and follow up on order acknowledgments, production progress and confirmed shipment or delivery dates
• Monitor Distribution Centre stock levels, customer demand, rates of sale and outstanding orders to identify potential shortages, excess stock and replenishment requirements
• Support replenishment planning by highlighting changes in demand and recommending actions to maintain customer service while controlling stockholding
• Track outstanding supply from order placement through production, shipment and delivery, escalating delays and discrepancies
• Coordinate direct export orders with factories, customers and their nominated freight forwarders, ensuring cargo readiness and shipping bookings align with agreed schedules
• Coordinate container shipments, including the consolidation of goods from multiple suppliers where required
• Obtain, check and circulate shipping documentation, following up on missing information and resolving or escalating discrepancies
• Liaise with Product and Technical teams to follow up on approvals and outstanding requirements that could affect production or shipment schedules
• Prepare and maintain stock, order and shipment reports to support planning and decision-making
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes, data accuracy and communication across the supply chain
• Develop skills and knowledge through training and knowledge sharing, maintaining an adaptable, positive and customer-focused approach

About you:

Essential

• Experience in a supply chain, purchasing, logistics or inventory administration role
• Experience using an ERP system to process orders and maintain accurate operational data
• Understanding of stock replenishment and the relationship between customer demand, rates of sale, supplier lead times and stock availability
• Understanding of the end-to-end supply chain, from order placement through to delivery
• Strong administrative skills, with experience maintaining reports and following up on outstanding actions
• Experience managing several tasks simultaneously, with effective time management and prioritisation skills
• Good working knowledge of Excel
• Experience communicating with suppliers and internal teams to resolve queries and progress orders

Desirable

• Practical experience using SAP, particularly purchase order processing, stock information and master data maintenance
• Knowledge of export shipping processes, FOB terms and common shipping documentation
• Experience coordinating overseas factories, freight forwarders and container shipments
• Experience in a wholesale, FMCG or retail supply environment, ideally support both stocked products and direct customer shipments

Key competencies and skills

• ERP and Supply Chain Systems, preferably SAP
• Accurate data entry and attention to detail
• Stock and Inventory Management
• Purchase order and shipment tracking
• Effective prioritisation and time management
• Clear communication and proactive follow-up
• Excel, reporting and data analysis
• Problem solving
• Cross-functional coordination
• Continuous improvement

What we offer

• Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
• 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Extensive benefits programme including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
• Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff with an office presence ideally once a week
• Great learning and development and progression opportunities
• Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Generous Company Sick Pay
• Pension Scheme Contribution
• Annual social events
• Cycle to Work scheme