Central Stores Leader - Hybrid Role (Inventory & Ops)

National Grid; Exeter, Huthwaite; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid seeks a Central Stores Operations Manager to lead the Exeter/Huthwaite stores operation, ensuring safe, cost-effective performance with high inventory accuracy and robust service levels. The role reports to the Stores and Inventory Leadership Team and focuses on improvements across stock control, receiving, and distribution.

Ideal candidates will have significant stores/logistics leadership experience, strong KPI/data usage, and knowledge of HSE requirements, with a background in

Qualifications

• Significant experience in stores, warehouse or logistics management.
• Strong knowledge of inventory control, warehouse processes and ERP/inventory management systems.
• Proven experience leading operational teams and managing performance.
• Experience using KPIs and data to improve operational performance.
• Good understanding of Health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Effective stakeholder management and a continuous improvement/innovative mindset.
• Experience within the energy, utilities or infrastructure sectors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across central stores (Exeter and Huthwaite) including goods receipt, storage, inventory control, picking and distribution.
• Lead, develop and motivate stores teams; promote safety, accountability and high performance.
• Maintain high inventory accuracy and control of high-value/obsolete stock.
• Ensure materials meet operational and project requirements within agreed service levels.
• Monitor and improve KPIs related to safety, service, productivity and cost.
• Drive continuous improvement across processes, layouts, productivity and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, suppliers and contractors to optimise stock management and service delivery.
• Manage stock-take cycles, reconciliations and corrective actions.

Skills

Stores management

ERP systems

Operational leadership

Data-driven KPIs

Health & safety

Stakeholder management

Energy/Utilities experience

Education

Degree in supply chain / logistics / data analytics

Leadership qualification

Continued professional development in supply chain

Job description

National Grid seeks a Central Stores Operations Manager to lead the Exeter/Huthwaite stores operation, ensuring safe, cost-effective performance with high inventory accuracy and robust service levels. The role reports to the Stores and Inventory Leadership Team and focuses on improvements across stock control, receiving, and distribution.

Ideal candidates will have significant stores/logistics leadership experience, strong KPI/data usage, and knowledge of HSE requirements, with a background in