At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing and inventory operations to support critical maritime assets.
- Company: Join Serco, a top global employer dedicated to public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with clear paths for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Location: Any DMS-NG Site (Clyde, Portsmouth or Devonport)
Salary: Competitive salary plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Full-time - Travel across UK sites will be required.
Ready to impact a better future? As a Purchasing & Inventory Manager in our DMS-NG Asset Management team, you’ll lead purchasing, stores and inventory operations that support the maintenance and availability of critical maritime assets. You'll play a key role in modernising processes, embedding best practice, and helping teams work more effectively through innovation and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to make a positive impact across a national defence programme. By improving inventory management, purchasing processes and system capability, your work will help ensure vessels have the materials and equipment they need to operate safely and efficiently. Working with colleagues across multiple sites, you'll help create impactful solutions that support operational readiness and contribute to a better future.
What you’ll do as a Purchasing & Inventory Manager:
- Lead day-to-day purchasing, stores and inventory operations across the DMS-NG contract.
- Manage and develop a team of purchasing and stores professionals located across multiple service delivery areas.
- Act as the subject matter expert for inventory management, stock control and purchasing processes.
- Own and maintain company procedures for Purchasing and Inventory within the Integrated Management System (IMS).
- Champion the implementation of new processes, technologies and ways of working, including the Engineering and Asset Management System (SEAMS).
- Oversee inventory accuracy, stock audits, supplier spend and stock holdings while driving continuous improvement and best practice.
Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
- Experience managing engineering inventory systems and maintenance databases such as Maximo Application Suite or SAP.
- A strong background in technical stores, inventory management and purchasing operations.
- Experience managing the end-to-end procurement process within a digital environment.
- Proven people management experience, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop teams.
- Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborative relationships across diverse teams.
This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them.
What we offer:
- Holidays: Up to 25 days plus bank holidays
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
- Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
- Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging.
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview.
For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.
Purchasing & Inventory Manager in Todmorden employer: Serco Group
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being a top employer, offering a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a Purchasing & Inventory Manager, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, all while contributing to vital public services across the UK. Join us in making a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment that values innovation and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Inventory Manager in Todmorden
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Serco Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing & Inventory Manager in Todmorden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Serco Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Serco Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Serco Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Serco Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Serco Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Serco Group's culture.