Stores Lead

Stores Lead

Northampton Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Smurfit Kappa

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the stores team, ensuring safety and efficiency in stock management.
  • Company: Join Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable packaging committed to employee growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and ongoing training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Target-driven, adaptable, with experience in stock control and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria; we value diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

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Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!

Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.

Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!

Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.

About Us

We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.

The Role

Primary responsibilities will include:

  • Ensure Safe Systems of Work (SSOW), risk assessments and COSHH controls are rigorously maintained. Embed 5S principles in housekeeping and hygiene routines to eliminate waste and hazards.
  • Oversee control of visitors and incoming materials in the store area. Implement lean visual-management (e.g. clear labelling, colour-coded zones) so that only authorised personnel and properly documented supplies enter the workspace, minimizing disruptions.
  • Monitor stock levels daily, update SAP (or CMMS) records in real-time, and forecast demand from production schedules. Adjust reorder points and order quantities to maintain lean buffer stocks without tying up capital.
  • Enforce FIFO (First-In-First-Out) handling for expirable packaging materials so older parts are used first. Implement Kanban or pull systems for critical spares and high-turnover items to trigger replenishment exactly when needed.
  • Establish strong supplier relationships for maintenance and production consumables. Use Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) or consignment-stock agreements for common items, so vendors track usage and replenish automatically.
  • Negotiate favourable lead times and pricing while integrating supplier data into SAP, improving reliability and reducing ordering effort.
  • Generate and analyse KPIs (stock accuracy, inventory turnover, fill rates, downtime incidents) in collaboration with maintenance. Use this feedback to continuously improve parts planning.
  • Lead monthly inventory audits and cycle counts to ensure data integrity and highlight improvement areas in accordance with company policy.
  • Work with Procurement and Engineering to find cost-saving opportunities (standardise parts, source alternatives) without compromising reliability.
  • Record air pressure, gas and electricity meter readings on schedule and report anomalies.
  • Adherence and drive towards maintaining and improving housekeeping and hygiene standards.
  • Completion of hygiene audit schedules within the designated area.

Key Skills, Personal Characteristics And Qualifications

Essential:

  • Target driven and results focused.
  • Adaptable, flexible, and able to thrive under pressure.
  • Curious and analytical mindset.
  • Passionate about improvement and sustainability.
  • Strong team player with a proactive and positive attitude.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
  • Sound knowledge of stock control systems (preferably SAP).
  • Confidence in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Outlook.
  • Good numeracy and problem-solving abilities.
  • Experience in a similar stores, logistics or energy management role.

Desirable:

  • Previous experience in the Packaging or Corrugated industry.
  • Understanding of 5S and continuous improvement processes.
  • Background in stores mapping or organisation.
  • Training experience for forklift/MEWP handling equipment.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities
  • 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
  • Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
  • Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.

Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.

We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Entry level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Sales and Business Development

  • Industries

    Packaging and Containers Manufacturing

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Stores Lead employer: Smurfit Kappa

At Smurfit Westrock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development. Our inclusive work culture fosters growth through ongoing training opportunities and flexible working options, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role while contributing to a sustainable future. Located in Northampton, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and you can make a meaningful impact in the packaging industry.
Smurfit Kappa

Contact Detail:

Smurfit Kappa Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Stores Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the principles of 5S and lean management. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a tidy and efficient workspace, which is crucial for the Stores Lead role.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your knowledge of stock control systems, particularly SAP. Being able to discuss how you've used similar systems in past roles or how you would approach using SAP can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in previous positions. Highlighting your negotiation skills and ability to maintain strong partnerships will resonate well with the hiring team at Smurfit Kappa.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used KPIs to drive improvements in past roles. This will demonstrate your results-driven mindset and your ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

We think you need these skills to ace Stores Lead

Stock Control Systems (preferably SAP)
Lean Management Principles (5S, Kanban)
Risk Assessment and COSHH Controls
Inventory Management
Data Analysis and KPI Generation
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Microsoft Excel Proficiency
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Abilities
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Adaptability and Flexibility
Team Leadership
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in stores, logistics, or energy management. Emphasise your knowledge of stock control systems, particularly SAP, and any experience with 5S principles or continuous improvement processes.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainability and improvement. Mention specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your adaptability, problem-solving skills, and ability to thrive under pressure.

Highlight Key Skills: Clearly outline your key skills that match the job description, such as strong communication, organisational abilities, and teamwork. Use bullet points for clarity and to make it easy for the hiring manager to see your qualifications.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the Stores Lead role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Smurfit Kappa

✨Understand the Role

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Stores Lead position. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like Safe Systems of Work, 5S principles, and stock control systems such as SAP. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully solved problems related to inventory management or logistics. Highlight your analytical mindset and how it has led to improvements in previous roles.

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication

As a Stores Lead, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with others in the past. This will show that you're a strong team player who can thrive in a collaborative environment.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

Smurfit Westrock values sustainability, so be sure to express your passion for improvement and sustainable practices during the interview. Discuss any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that align with their commitment to sustainability.

Stores Lead
Smurfit Kappa
Location: Northampton
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