At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing and stores management to optimise our global supply chain.
- Company: Join Niftylift, a top designer of mobile elevated work platforms.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days holiday, health cover, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and continuous improvement in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with global reach.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing or supply chain, strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Purchasing & Stores Manager to join our team at Niftylift. Based at our state‑of‑the‑art fabrication and manufacturing facility in Barnsley, this role plays a key part in supporting our global supply chain operations. Niftylift Limited is one of the world’s leading privately owned designers and manufacturers of mobile elevated work platforms.
This role offers the chance to influence and engage with the global marketplace—selecting ethical, reliable suppliers and supporting the continuous development of Niftylift’s products and operations.
About the Role
This position combines leadership of the Purchasing team with responsibility for the Stores and Internal Logistics function, ensuring a robust, efficient and world‑class supply chain.
Purchasing Management
- Lead the purchasing function for our Hoyland site, ensuring both the stability and development of our supplier base.
- Develop, support and coach the purchasing team. Formally develop and define value added procedures and their adherence.
- Provide leadership on development of the current and new supplier bases and logistics using processes and proven techniques to achieve a world class supply.
- Ensure commercially secure efficient purchase, control and scheduling of material at the lowest overall cost, in line with the Niftylift purchasing strategy.
Stores Management
- Oversee all aspects of internal logistics, materials management and stock control, ensuring alignment with business objectives and Milton Keynes Logistics for consistency.
- Develop and align the stocking policies with the purchasing, scheduling and safety stock categories to ensure both achieve the same output of balanced stock to meet demand.
- Develop, support and coach the stock control team to ensure ongoing management of direct materials, stock control, stock policies and investigations into discrepancies.
- Ensure accurate perpetual inventory result and annual stock take accuracy.
- Develop continuous improvement opportunities to maximise information technology to automate transactional data.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Manage the portfolio of suppliers with a spend of ÂŁ10M plus, including the negotiation of clear and robust commercially secure contracts for new and existing suppliers.
- Develop and maintain a global structured supply base with dual source plus back up for all sensitive commodity types.
- Identify areas of opportunity, initiate and implement new purchasing strategies.
- Research, audit and select suitable vendors for the development of strategic partnerships.
- Develop, maintain and audit an approved primary supplier base on their financial stability, technical, commercial, quality, delivery and support abilities.
- Support New Product Introduction projects through to implementation.
- Develop and maintain ordering methods, rolling delivery schedules, materials control and purchasing planning parameters on the company's MRP.
- Achieve cost down through supplier's technical/engineering resources, global and currency sourcing, correct supplier selection, packaging/storage, finish & coatings.
- Oversee the strategic management of logistics to identify best practice, alignment to purchasing strategies of global supply chains.
- Align direct material management processes and procedures to optimise stock control, space and cost.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior purchasing, commodity management or supply chain role.
- Strong background in purchasing steel, welded fabrications and machined components within an engineering or similar environment.
- Experience operating in a continuous single‑piece flow production setting.
- Strong understanding of MRP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Experience in stock control, internal logistics, and inventory management.
- Strong experience in contract negotiations, inventory reduction and contract negotiation.
- Ability to travel globally to support supplier management.
- Experience with lean manufacturing tools, supplier auditing (commercial/SQA/PPAP/QPAP), and contract negotiation.
Desirable
- CIPS qualification Level 4.
- Experience with open‑book costing and PPV.
- Automotive‑standard supply contracts and penalties exposure.
- Understanding of Engineering Drawings and Geometric Tolerancing.
Working Hours
07:30 - 16:30, Monday - Thursday
07:30 - 13:30, Friday
Benefits
- 25 days holiday (rising with service to 30 days) plus bank holidays.
- Annual bonus (ÂŁ500 per annum, based on recent average - for indication only).
- 5% contributory pension scheme.
- Life insurance scheme.
- Health cover scheme.
- Retail discounts.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Free on-site parking (Free EV Charging where available).
- Subsidised refreshments (lunch and drink options).
Purchasing and Stores Manager in Barnsley employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing and Stores Manager in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Purchasing and Stores Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Niftylift and understanding their supply chain operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in purchasing and stock control. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves managing suppliers and contracts, brush up on your negotiation techniques. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Niftylift team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing and Stores Manager in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing and Stores Manager role. Highlight your experience in purchasing, stock control, and supplier management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what Niftylift is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or saved costs in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you could have at Niftylift.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with key metrics related to purchasing and supply chain management. Be ready to discuss your experience managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and achieving cost reductions. This will show that you understand the financial aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Purchasing and Stores Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've developed and coached teams in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've implemented to improve team performance or supplier relationships.
✨Understand Niftylift's Operations
Research Niftylift’s products and their global supply chain operations. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent developments in the industry. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in stock control or supplier management, and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.