Central Stores Operations Manager

Posted 05 Nov 2026

Western Power

Exeter or Huthwaite (Logistics or Transportation)


Job Type:permanentDuration:
Category:Logistics or TransportationRecruiter Reference:ED/72683/5542
URL for Applications:Apply HereSalary:Circa £67,000 depending on skills and experience

At National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), our stores and inventory operation plays a vital role in ensuring materials, equipment and supplies are available when and where they are needed to keep the electricity network operating safely and efficiently.

We're looking for a Central Stores Operations Manager to be based at Exeter or Huthwaite.  You will lead the safe, efficient and cost-effective operation of our central stores facilities. Reporting into the Stores and Inventory Leadership Team, you'll ensure materials and equipment are available to support operational and project activities while driving high standards of service, inventory accuracy and continuous improvement.  

About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.

Main Responsibilities
  • Leading day-to-day operations across our central stores (at Exeter and Huthwaite), including goods receipt, storage, inventory control, picking and distribution
  • Managing, developing and motivating stores teams, promoting a culture of safety, accountability and high performance
  • Maintaining high inventory accuracy and effective control of critical, high-value and obsolete stock.
  • Ensure materials are available to meet operational and project requirements within agreed service levels
  • Monitor, develop and improve KPIs relating to safety, service, productivity, cost and inventory performance
  • Driving continuous improvement across processes, systems, layouts productivity and cost efficiency
  • Working closely with Procurement, Operations, suppliers and contractors to optimise stock management and service delivery.
  • Managing stock taking cycles including reconciliations and corrective actions.
  • Supporting business continuity and emergency response requirements for critical materials.
  • Manage operational risks, budgets and contractor performance.
  • Ensure compliance with NGEDs policies, procedures and relevant HSE requirements
The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for an experienced leader with a strong background in stores, warehousing, logistics or supply chain management, ideally within a complex or safety critical environment. You'll have proven track record of leading operational teams, managing performance and using data to drive improvements in a fast-paced environment.

  • 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 continuous improvement and innovative mindset

Desirable

  • Experience within the energy, utilities or infrastructure sectors

Qualifications 

  • Degree or relevant experience in supply chain, logistics, data analytics or related discipline
  • Management or leadership qualification, or working towards one

Desirable

  • Evidence of continued professional development in supply chain, stores, warehousing management

#LI-SH1

About The Company

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

  • Annual performance related bonus 
  • 28 days Annual Leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
  • Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
  • Annual Share Save plan
  • Life insurance 4 x annual salary
  • Contributory healthcare for you and your family
  • Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
  • Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture.  If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk. 

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin. 

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers. This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

We recommend you apply as soon as possible, as we may close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received. 

How to Apply

Apply Online