Materials & Logistics Manager
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.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne & Wear.
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 handling
Leadership & Financial Accountability
* Lead, motivate, and develop materials and warehouse teams operating across shifts
* 5 direct reports: 4 expeditors and 1 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 procedures
Supplier, 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 reviews
Continuous 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 delivery
Your experience as Materials & Logistics Manager
* Proven leadership experience in Materials, Logistics or Supply Chain within a JIT automotive, manufacturing or engineering environment
* 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 expense
Desirable experience
* Working knowledge of QAD and/or SAP
* Familiarity with IATF 16949
* Professional logistics qualification
Benefits Package
* Salary from £58,000 depending on experience
* Optional 9 day working fortnight
* Employee well‑being programme
* 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
* On‑site facilities including free parking
* Potential to travel and support other sites and initiatives
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