Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Purchasing team and manage Stores and Internal Logistics for a world-class supply chain.
- Company: Join Niftylift, a top designer and manufacturer of mobile elevated work platforms.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days holiday, health cover, pension scheme, and free lunches.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a global impact by selecting ethical suppliers and optimising operations.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in purchasing or supply chain, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 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 Hoyland, 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. We supply products to customers in over 40 countries, supported by more than 400 employees across our three UK Centres of Excellence. 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
- 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 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
- Develop and align stocking policies with purchasing, scheduling and safety stock categories to ensure a balanced stock that meets demand and provides flexibility for seasonality.
- Support and coach the stock control team to ensure ongoing management of direct materials, stock control, stock policies and investigation of discrepancies.
- Ensure accurate perpetual inventory results and annual stock take accuracy.
- Develop continuous improvement opportunities to maximise the use of information technology, optimise space through fleet planning, and support environmental legislation and standards.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Manage the portfolio of suppliers with a spend of ÂŁ10 M 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 backup for all sensitive commodity types.
- Develop KPI reporting and scorecard measurement of suppliers.
- Identify areas of opportunity, initiate and implement new purchasing strategies.
- Research, audit and select suitable vendors for the development of strategic partnerships.
- Maintain and audit an approved primary supplier base on their financial stability, technical, commercial, quality, delivery and support abilities.
- Conduct competitively tendered orders for all parts as commodity groups and maintain structured communication and teamwork with Milton Keynes.
- Support New Product Introduction projects through to implementation.
- Conduct supplier development and recovery meetings in line with the group needs.
- Develop and maintain ordering methods, rolling delivery schedules, materials control and purchasing planning parameters on the company's MRP.
- Verification, investigation and resolution of MRP purchasing/schedule related issues.
- Achieve cost down through supplier 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.
- Report slow‑moving and obsolete stock to reduce, control and prevent.
- Monitor and manage stock discrepancies in good time to ensure accurate demand is pulled through MRP.
- Maintain full understanding and compliance of the company's ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 18001 standards, and develop and audit effective logistics procedures and compliance.
- Plan and maintain “how‑to” guides for transactional processes to support training needs and standardisation.
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 (or working towards).
- Experience with open‑book costing and PPV.
- Automotive standard supply contracts and penalties exposure.
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 (£500 per annum, based on recent average – for indication only).
- 5% contributory pension scheme.
- Life insurance scheme.
- Health cover scheme.
- Staff discounts.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee referral scheme.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Free on‑site parking.
- Subsidised refreshments (lunch and drink options).
- Free quarterly company lunches.
- Free family events.
Purchasing & Stores Manager employer: Niftylift Ltd
Contact Detail:
Niftylift Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Stores Manager
✨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 & Stores Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨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, being able to demonstrate your expertise in negotiations during interviews can really set you apart. Maybe even role-play with a friend to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. 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 & Stores Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing & Stores Manager role. Highlight your experience in purchasing, stock control, and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with what we're 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 Niftylift. Share specific examples of your achievements in purchasing and logistics that demonstrate your leadership and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you reduce costs or improve supplier relationships? We love numbers, so make sure to include them to show your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Niftylift!
How to prepare for a job interview at Niftylift Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of purchasing and supply chain management, especially in the context of engineering. Familiarise yourself with Niftylift's products and their global supply chain operations. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Purchasing & Stores Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've developed and coached teams in the past. Highlight any successful projects where your leadership made a difference.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about MRP systems, stock control, and contract negotiations. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've used to optimise inventory and reduce costs. Real-life examples will make your answers stand out.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about Niftylift's future projects or how they measure success in the purchasing department. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.