Stock Manager (Manchester)

Role Overview The Stock Manager role is an important role within the company and is a great opportunity to join a small team in a fast paced, collaborative environment. Reporting to the Retail Operations Manager. It is a fixed term contract role for the set-up, live event and de-rig of the Event. Its primary focus is to ensure the availability of retail items and show gifts at the event and to work with suppliers to co-ordinate deliveries and monitor stock and sales levels to ensure maximum availability of items. The role will be based on-site working on the pre-build, live show and de-rig. This role will also manage the day-to-day work of two Warehouse team leaders (AM/PM) and the team of Warehouse Operatives ensuring that necessary tasks are completed on time and that the warehouse is always kept neat and tidy. Company Overview We are most famous for our award-winning event, buried deep in the Crown Estate near Ascot. 17 years ago, Mike & Alison Battle created the event out of their own desire to take their children somewhere that would celebrate the pure, commercially unsullied, magic of Christmas. Now, with the help of Hollywood set-designers, West-End actors and more than a sprinkling of magic, the event is keeping the magic of Christmas alive for thousands of children every year. LaplandUK celebrates and honours the values, imagination and wonderment of childhood through our magical world, rich storytelling and immersive memory making experiences. This is an exciting period of growth for us, as we look for new ways to bring the Lapland experience to a global audience through media, publishing, live shows and eCommerce channels as well as launching our second show this year ‘Lapland Manchester’. Key Responsibilities Oversee all on-site warehouse and stockroom operations during the live show, ensuring that all incoming and outgoing inventory is accurately received, logged, and stored in line with company standards and deadlines. Lead and support the seasonal stock team, assigning daily tasks, monitoring performance, and ensuring all staff are trained in safe and efficient stock handling procedures. Ensure timely and accurate stock allocation to sales areas, working closely with the retail or e-commerce team to prioritize high-demand products and meet customer expectations. Implement and maintain stock control procedures, including stock counts, discrepancy investigations to uphold stock accuracy and reduce shrinkage. Maintain clear, organized, and compliant stock areas, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards and optimizing storage capacity during the high-intensity trading of the live show. Collaborate with Retail Duty Managers and Store Supervisors to communicate stock availability, anticipate shortages, and coordinate timely restocks or transfers. Respond quickly to operational challenges, such as delivery delays, damaged goods, or unexpected sales spikes, by adjusting plans and deploying resources effectively. Support visual merchandising and key in-store displays by ensuring stock is available, prepped, and in the right place at the right time Support the de-rig of the live show by coordinating completion of stock take at the end of the event and ensure physical stock is accurately counted, packed away and updated on the EPOS system highlighting discrepancies to Retail Operations Manager. Required Experience: Proven experience in inventory or stock management in a fast-paced retail or warehouse environment, ideally during peak trading periods Demonstrated ability to plan and manage high-volume stock movements, including receiving, storing, replenishing, and rotating inventory efficiently to support sales Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with experience prioritising stock-related tasks during periods of high demand, short lead times, or tight turnaround schedules. Previous responsibility for managing stock accuracy, including stock counts, stocktaking procedures, and discrepancy resolution, to always ensure inventory integrity Experience working with stock control systems or warehouse management software to track inventory levels, process deliveries, and generate stock reports. Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly, particularly during unexpected delays, high inbound stock volumes, or last-minute merchandising needs. A strong understanding of health and safety procedures in stock handling and storage, especially in high-traffic or condensed seasonal environments. A valid Driving Licence is a requirement of this role. Location: Ascot – Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, SL5 8BG, or Manchester – Congleton Road, Siddington, Macclesfield, SK11 9JYStart Date: Early October 2025End Date: Mid January 2026Shifts & Availability: as you will be working on a rota basis, good availability between October 2025- January 2026 is essential.Key Dates: Company Induction Date 18th OctoberTraining period on-site: 31st October – 5th NovemberLive Event Period: 6th November – 24th DecemberPay Rate: £16.50 per hourOne meal per day to be providedComplimentary shuttle bus to site from local train station20% off retail items on selected datesLife at LaplandUK: At LaplandUK, we believe in the magic of collaboration, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and a team that\’s always willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Working with us means being part of a dynamic environment where collaboration brings out the best in everyone, diverse talents converge, and innovation thrives. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every team member is dedicated to achieving the highest standards, contributing to a workplace culture that values continuous improvement and outstanding results. Passion for the Mission. We are in service to belief. We understand the importance of what we do and its legacy. One Collaborative Company We only succeed together. We are a positive and caring group of people who embrace developing Lapland and ourselves. Driven To Deliver Excellence Belief is in the detail. Powered by our purpose we challenge and innovate to exceed expectations in everything we do. Applicants must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship. LaplandUK reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time. Due to the high number of applications being received, we may not be able to respond to every applicant. LaplandUK is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.