At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage stores to ensure timely materials for production.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company in a rural location with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to lean inventory and efficient operations.
- Why this job: Be a key player in maintaining production flow and driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in stores management, strong organisational skills, and forklift licence preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Halstead (own transport required due to rural location)
Salary: £30-40K depending on experience
Purpose of the Role
To lead and manage the stores function in support of a manufacturing production target. The Stores Manager ensures all materials are available on time, stored securely, and issued efficiently to maintain production flow and reduce downtime. This role is crucial for maintaining high inventory accuracy and a lean, responsive stores operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate stock levels for over 2,000+ line items
- Ensure timely stock replenishment aligned with the build schedule and BOMs
- Manage cycle counts and investigate discrepancies to achieve >98% stock accuracy
- Maintain minimum and maximum stock levels to avoid shortages or overstocking
- Organize and manage stock takes, monthly and yearly
Stores Operations
- Oversee goods-in, storage, and issuing processes with a focus on speed and accuracy
- Implement and maintain bin locations, kitting systems, and Kanban for high-movement items
- Support kit preparation aligned to weekly production schedules (e.g. 4-5 units/week)
- Oversee returns to stock and non-conforming materials procedures
Team Leadership
- Lead and manage a small team of 3-6 stores personnel including FLT operators and pickers
- Set clear priorities for daily operations, driven by production schedules
- Deliver training on safe handling, stock control, and supply chain usage
Coordination and Communication
- Liaise daily with Production Planning and Purchasing to synchronize materials flow
- Escalate shortages proactively and help resolve supply chain disruptions
- Work closely with Quality and Engineering to control part changes and material revisions
Health, Safety, and Housekeeping
- Maintain a safe and organized stores environment in line with 5S and HSE guidelines
- Ensure all racking, FLTs, and lifting equipment are inspected and compliant
- Lead incident reporting and root cause analysis where required
Continuous Improvement
- Support lean initiatives to reduce waste in material handling
- Drive layout changes to improve accessibility and reduce walk time
- Recommend changes to improve supply chain materials traceability
Key Skills & Experience
- Minimum 3 years in a Stores or Warehouse Supervisor/Manager role in manufacturing
- Experience in low- to medium-volume, high-variety build environments (ideally automotive, HGV, or coachbuilding)
- Competent in supply chain MRP systems
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Able to read engineering part lists and BOMs
- Licensed forklift driver (Counterbalance/Reach) – desirable
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Warehousing, Supply Chain, or Logistics
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent – desirable
- Continuous Improvement/Lean qualification or demonstrable experience – advantageous
Manufacturing Stores Lead: Lean Inventory & Kit Management in Halstead employer: SVC Technical
As a leading employer in the manufacturing sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee development and continuous improvement. Located in the picturesque town of Halstead, our team enjoys a supportive environment where innovation is encouraged, and opportunities for growth are abundant. With competitive salaries and a commitment to health and safety, we ensure that our employees thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to our mission of operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Stores Lead: Lean Inventory & Kit Management in Halstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their production processes and challenges they face in inventory management. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of how you've improved stock accuracy or streamlined operations in previous roles. Use specific metrics to demonstrate your impact, as numbers speak volumes in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Stores Lead: Lean Inventory & Kit Management in Halstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Stores Lead role. Highlight your experience in managing inventory, leading teams, and any lean initiatives you've been part of. We want to see how your skills match 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 passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with stock management and team leadership.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your relevant experience in stores or warehouse management. Mention specific achievements, like improving stock accuracy or implementing new processes that enhanced efficiency. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload your tailored CV and cover letter directly. Let’s get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at SVC Technical
✨Know Your Inventory Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of the role, especially around maintaining stock levels and managing cycle counts. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory management systems and be ready to discuss how you've achieved high stock accuracy in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Manufacturing Stores Lead, you'll be managing a small team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on training, setting priorities, and improving team performance. Highlight any experience you have in fostering a safe and efficient working environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in inventory management or supply chain disruptions. Think about how you resolved these issues and what lean initiatives you implemented to improve processes. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and solutions-oriented.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves liaising with various departments, practice articulating how you would communicate with production planning and purchasing teams. Be prepared to discuss how you would escalate shortages and collaborate with quality and engineering teams to manage part changes.
