Stores Team Leader

NP Aerospace Limited; Coventry; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus opportunities

Flexible start times

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Pension scheme

Life cover

Job summary

NP Aerospace is seeking a Stores Team Leader in Coventry to oversee Goods Inwards and Stores, ensure timely, accurate material flow, and lead a team on the shop floor to meet production schedules. You will coordinate resources, maintain stock records and drive continuous improvement using Lean and 5S principles.

The role offers a hands-on leadership style in a manufacturing setting, with development opportunities and a strong focus on teamwork and safety.

Qualifications

• At least five years' experience leading or supervising stores, warehouse or manufacturing operations.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems, ideally QAD or SAP.
• Good understanding of Lean Manufacturing, 5S and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of Goods Inwards and Stores, ensuring materials are received, stored and issued to support production schedules.
• Coordinate workloads and provide visible leadership on the shop floor to create a safe, efficient operation.
• Collaborate with Production, Purchasing and Finance to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

People leadership

Manufacturing operations

Stock control

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Excel (MS Office)

Team coaching

Production planning

Tools

QAD

SAP

Job description

Job Title: Stores Team Leader

Location: Coventry, UK

Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon-Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri).

Vacancy Type: Full-time, Onsite

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 per annum DOE

About the role

At NP Aerospace, every vehicle, armour system and defence product depends on the right materials arriving at the right place at the right time. As our Stores Team Leader, you'll play a vital role in making that happen.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced stores or warehouse leader who enjoys developing people, improving processes and leading from the front. You'll oversee the day-to-day operation of our Goods Inwards and Stores function, ensuring materials flow safely and efficiently through the business while supporting major defence programmes that help protect those who protect us.

If you're someone who enjoys creating structure, solving problems and helping teams perform at their best, this could be the perfect opportunity.

What you'll get in return

At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That's why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:

• Performance rewards - discretionary bonus opportunities
• Flex your day - flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
• Time to recharge - 25 days' holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Support for Defence - two weeks' paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
• Future security - competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
• Peace of mind - life cover at 3x base salary
• Health & wellbeing first - BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
• Grow with us - career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
• Supportive environment - a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose

What you'll be doing

You'll lead the day-to-day operation of our Goods Inwards and Stores team, ensuring materials are received, stored and issued accurately to support production schedules and customer delivery commitments. By coordinating workloads, allocating tasks and providing visible leadership on the shop floor, you'll help create a safe, efficient and high-performing operation where every team member understands their priorities and contributes to overall business success.

Working closely with the Materials Control Manager, you'll help plan resources, storage capacity and equipment requirements while maintaining accurate stock records within QAD. You'll oversee goods receipts, stock movements, work order transactions and cycle counting activities, ensuring traceability and inventory accuracy are maintained to the highest standards. Your attention to detail will help ensure production always has the right materials available at the right time.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll coach and develop your team, support new starters and encourage continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing principles and 5S practices. You'll work collaboratively with Production, Purchasing, Finance and other stakeholders to resolve issues quickly, improve operational performance and identify opportunities to make the stores function even more efficient.

What you'll bring

We're looking for an experienced leader who enjoys developing people, improving processes and creating an efficient stores operation. You'll be someone who leads by example, thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and isn't afraid to roll your sleeves up when needed.

Essential

• At least five years' experience leading or supervising stores, warehouse or manufacturing operations.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace or defence environment.
• Experience managing Goods Inwards, Goods Out and inventory control activities.
• Strong understanding of stock control, cycle counting and material traceability.
• Experience using ERP or MRP systems, ideally QAD or SAP.
• Current Counterbalance Forklift Truck licence.
• Good understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, including intermediate Excel.
• Excellent organisational skills with a proactive, hands-on approach.

Desirable

• Experience supporting production operations in medium to high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience participating in internal or external audits.
• Knowledge of defence manufacturing or regulated industries.

Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.

WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.

Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world's largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy:

NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.