Julian Bowen
Supply Chain Executive
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Supply Chain Executive
Role – Supply Chain Executive Location – On-Site Salary – £27–£30k
About Julian Bowen
Julian Bowen is a leading UK furniture wholesaler and integrated furniture solutions provider, working with retailers across the UK and Ireland. From its Nottinghamshire headquarters and distribution centre, the company delivers end-to-end services including product design, global sourcing, warehousing, distribution, and customer support. Our extensive portfolio covers bedroom, dining, living, occasional, home office, and children’s furniture, combining trend-led styles with timeless designs to deliver strong value.
As a family-founded business, Julian Bowen emphasises:
- Collaborative culture
- Long-term partnerships
- Responsible business practices
The company is committed to continuous improvement and innovation to support national retailers, e-commerce businesses, buying groups, and independent furniture specialists.
Role Purpose
The Supply Chain Executive plays a key role in ensuring the efficient flow of products from international suppliers through to the UK distribution network.
Working closely with the Supply Chain Manager and colleagues, this role is accountable for:
- Stock planning
- Overseas purchasing
- Inbound logistics
- Supplier communication
- Continuous improvement initiatives
This is a highly analytical role, requiring:
- Strong commercial awareness
- Excellent organisational skills
- The ability to build effective relationships with suppliers, freight partners, and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Stock Planning & Purchasing
- Analyse daily sales trends, forecasts, and stock levels to guide purchasing decisions.
- Raise and manage purchase orders using forecasting systems, balancing algorithmic recommendations with commercial judgement.
- Monitor seasonal peaks, promotional activity, and supplier shutdown periods to maintain optimal stock cover.
- Adjust purchasing plans based on supplier lead times, minimising both stock shortages and excess inventory.
- Manage overseas purchase orders from placement to final delivery into the UK.
- Work closely with Sales, Product, and Warehouse teams to support product launches and promotional activity.
- Proactively resolve supply chain issues to maintain customer availability and service levels.
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Shipping, Imports & Supplier Management
- Serve as the primary contact for inbound freight, shipping, and import activities.
- Coordinate shipments from the Far East, South America, and other international suppliers, enhancing supply chain coordination.
- Liaise with freight forwarders, shipping agents, and customs brokers to ensure timely deliveries.
- Build strong working relationships with suppliers to improve service, lead times, and supply reliability.
- Ensure import documentation is accurate and compliant with customs requirements.
- Support supplier performance reviews through KPI monitoring and regular communication.
Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain accurate records in Sage 200 and other business systems.
- Assist with quarterly reports on:
- Stock availability
- Supplier performance
- Inbound shipments
- Purchasing activity
- Analyse supply chain data to identify:
- Trends
- Operational risks
- Cost savings and cost efficiencies
- Support development of Slimstock forecasting parameters and purchasing processes.
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on:
- Increasing efficiency
- Reducing costs
- Improving customer service
- Ensure data accuracy across all supply chain systems.
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Operational Support
- Support inventory management via regular stock reviews and replenishment planning.
- Assist with aged stock and excess inventory management.
- Collaborate with Finance on:
- Supplier reconciliation
- Invoice queries
- Provide cover for senior Supply Chain colleagues as needed.
- Maintain accurate records in line with company procedures.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience in overseas purchasing and import management.
- Understanding of international freight, shipping, and customs processes.
- Strong analytical skills, able to interpret sales, stock, and forecasting data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (intermediate-advanced).
- High organisational and time management abilities.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- High attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple deadlines.
- Commercial awareness with a problem-solving mindset.
Desirable
- Slimstock experience in demand planning and replenishment.
- Sage 200 experience.
- Background in furniture, homewares, retail, or FMCG supply chain.
- Experience working in global supply chains.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and self-motivated.
- Highly organised with immaculate attention to detail.
- A strong analytical thinker.
- Calm under pressure, with the agility to adapt to changing priorities.
- A collaborative team player prioritising customer service excellence.
- Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
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