Materials & Logistics Manager sought by a world leader in the manufacture of automotive components. The company provides quality products, services and solutions worldwide to customers in over 150 countries. Due to an internal promotion, they seek a senior materials management professional to join their Sunderland team as the Materials & Logistics Manager. Your role as Materials & Logistics Manager: Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will be responsible for a team of Materials Expeditors and a Materials Supervisor operating in a fast-paced, customer-driven JIT environment. JIT Materials Planning & Control Ensure continuous material availability to support JIT production with zero line stoppages Manage supplier call-offs, sequenced releases, and short lead-time adjustments driven by customer schedule changes Lead expediting activities to mitigate material shortages and supply risk Proactively identify potential disruptions and implement effective recovery and contingency plans Maintain accuracy of MRP parameters, BOMs, and sequencing data to support JIT performance Operate confidently with large and complex data sets (e.g. 1,500 part numbers with multiple data attributes)Logistics & Warehousing Oversee inbound, internal, and line-side logistics within a low-inventory, high-velocity JIT environment Ensure efficient goods receipt, storage, picking, kitting, and line feeding Maintain high standards of inventory accuracy, FIFO, traceability, and space optimisation Minimise premium freight and non–value-added handlingLeadership & Financial Accountability Lead, motivate, and develop materials and warehouse teams operating across shifts 5 x direct reports: 4 x Expeditors and 1 x Materials Supervisor Set clear expectations aligned to KPIs such as OTIF, material availability and line stoppage prevention Manage MP&L budgets, inventory investment and freight spend, identifying ongoing cost reduction opportunities Ensure full compliance with company policies and proceduresSupplier, Customer & Cross-Functional Interface Act as the primary escalation point for suppliers within the JIT supply chain Work closely with Production, Quality, Finance and Customer teams to respond rapidly to schedule fluctuations Manage model phase-out activity to minimise obsolescence and support robust customer liability recovery Provide accurate forecasting and KPI reporting using designated SCM tools Support customer audits, launches and internal reviewsContinuous Improvement Drive lean logistics initiatives, including kanban systems and line-side optimisation Improve inventory turns while protecting production continuity Track and improve performance across material availability, inventory accuracy, premium freight and supplier deliveryYour experience as Materials & Logistics Manager: Proven leadership experience in Materials, Logistics or Supply Chain within a JIT automotive, manufacturing or engineering enviroment Strong knowledge of JIT operations, schedule volatility and risk management Experience leading materials expediting and warehouse teams Strong ERP/MRP knowledge with a data-driven approach to decision making Degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations or related discipline Experience of end to end material and logistics management with focus on inbound freight Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Strong people leadership capability with a results-focused mindset Proficient in Microsoft Office Will consider relocators at own expenseDesirable experience: Working knowledge of QAD and/or SAP Familiarity with IATF 16949 Professional logistics qualificationBenefits Package: Salary from £58,000 depending on experience Optional 9 day working fortnight Employee well-being program Occupational health & physiotherapy availability Ongoing training and career development Access to High Street discounts & benefits Reward & Recognition awards Employee Assistance Program (available for family members too) 24/7, 365 days 24/7 Virtual GP (available for family members too) 26 days holiday bank holidays, increasing with service Enhanced pension scheme and death in service benefits Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme Onsite facilities including free parking Potential to travel and support other sites and initiatives Materials & Logistics Manager Sunderland, Tyne & Wear From £58,000 depending on experience benefits