Inventory Optimisation & Stock Recovery Lead

About the Opportunity

The Inventory Optimisation & Stock Recovery Lead is responsible for driving the reduction of dead, slow-moving and excess inventory across the Middy’s network who is a highly analytical person with strong data analysis capabilities.

The role is highly action-oriented and commercially focused with a key part to identify trends, opportunities and recovery pathways through detailed inventory analysis. Its purpose is to identify stock that is not performing, determine the best recovery pathway and actively drive that stock towards the most commercially beneficial outcome.

This includes transferring stock to branches where there is demonstrated demand, negotiating supplier returns and credits, developing targeted sales and clearance strategies, and working with operational and commercial teams to improve stock utilisation and release working capital.

The role works centrally across the branch network, providing focused ownership of stock recovery rather than broader branch inventory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Dead, Slow & Excess Stock Management
• Maintain a clear national view of dead, slow-moving and excess inventory.
• Identify the largest stock recovery opportunities by product, supplier, branch and value.
• Prioritise activity based on stock value, age, sales history and likelihood of recovery.
• Develop and maintain action plans for material stock holdings.
• Drive stock reduction rather than simply identifying or reporting exceptions.

Stock Redistribution
• Identify products held in branches where demand is low but selling elsewhere within the network.
• Coordinate transfers to branches and regions where there is demonstrated demand.
• Work with RGMs and Branch Managers to ensure transfers are commercially sensible and actioned promptly.
• Consider freight and handling costs when determining whether redistribution provides an economic benefit.
• Monitor transferred stock to confirm that redistribution results in improved sell-through.

Supplier Returns & Recovery
• Engage suppliers to identify opportunities to return dead, slow or excess stock.
• Negotiate credits, stock swaps, replacement products or other commercially appropriate outcomes.
• Coordinate approved returns through to completion and credit.
• Build effective relationships with suppliers to maximise stock recovery opportunities.
• Identify recurring supplier or product issues that are contributing to excess inventory.

Sales & Clearance Strategies
• Develop practical strategies to sell stock that cannot be economically transferred or returned
• Work with branch teams to identify customers and markets for affected products.
• Develop targeted clearance initiatives, branch campaigns, bundled offers or other appropriate sales strategies.
• Where appropriate, recommend pricing or markdown strategies based on the likely commercial recovery.
• Measure the effectiveness of campaigns and adjust strategies where stock is not moving.

Commercial Stock Recovery
For each significant holding, determine the most appropriate recovery pathway:
Transfer → Supplier Return → Targeted Sale → Clearance/Markdown → Final Disposal
The objective is to maximise financial recovery while progressively removing non-performing inventory from the business.

Reporting & Accountability
• Maintain a national stock recovery action register
• Track starting value, actions taken, current value and financial recovery.
• Provide regular reporting on reductions in dead, slow and excess stock.
• Highlight material issues requiring escalation or broader commercial decisions.
• Identify trends and root causes that may help prevent future excess inventory.

To Apply

Please submit a current copy of your resume along with a cover letter in which you address how you meet the key selection criteria in the position description.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Middy’s. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Middy’s. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at people&culture@middys.com.au in an email titled 'Reasonable Adjustments Request' for a confidential discussion.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by Middy’s.