Materials Controller
Report to the Materials Controller Supervisor and based in Milton Keynes, you will be responsible for planning, purchasing, and controlling raw materials and packaging to ensure uninterrupted site operations.
Responsibilities
* Raise, amend, and manage purchase orders in Lawson against relevant suppliers to support site production plans, ensuring compliance with agreed commercial terms, stock-holding targets, and space limitations.
* Issue supplier forecasts and manage demand accordingly, proactively identifying and reducing exposure to excess stock, slow‑moving materials, and obsolescence.
* Work closely with Production Planning to develop accurate materials forecasts for the supply base.
* Receipt purchase orders in Lawson accurately and in a timely manner to ensure system integrity, stock visibility, and accurate inventory valuation.
* Monitor, maintain, and update the MRP system, ensuring stock levels, delivery dates, and usage assumptions remain current and aligned with operational requirements.
* Create and maintain daily raw material and packaging delivery schedules to support production, intake, and warehousing activities.
* Arrange and manage physical and virtual stock transfers between site and 3PL storage locations.
* Work collaboratively with 3PLs to ensure raw materials and packaging are accurately received, stored, reported, and reconciled.
* Ensure stock held off-site is correctly accounted for in Lawson, investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
* Work closely with Warehouse team to manage limited storage space effectively and ensure obsolete, excess, or slow‑moving materials are dealt with proactively and promptly.
* Identify materials at risk and work cross‑functionally to minimise write‑off exposure through re‑planning, usage optimisation, freezing, or redistribution to other sites within TCFG.
* Where necessary, raise and manage concessions in line with company procedures to approve material usage or extend shelf life, ensuring appropriate technical and quality approval is obtained to reduce waste while maintaining food safety and compliance.
* Monitor seasonal materials before and during promotions, ensuring adequate availability while minimising surplus and write‑off risk.
* Expedite materials and outstanding deliveries as required, proactively identifying supply risks, escalating issues where appropriate, and supporting the wider team to maintain continuity of supply.
* Lead and resolve supply issues by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions in collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
* Organise supplier returns for non‑conforming or rejected materials using the company operating system.
* Resolve supplier invoicing discrepancies promptly and accurately.
* Operate within defined materials management KPIs, including but not limited to stock value/target days cover, service level, waste and write‑off, and supplier delivery performance.
* Actively monitor performance against targets, highlighting risks and opportunities, and contributing to corrective action plans where performance deviates from expectations.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving materials availability, reducing waste, and optimising working capital.
* Work collaboratively with other stakeholders on product launches, changes, and delists to ensure smooth material transitions and minimal waste.
* Attend production, procurement, and cross‑functional meetings as required, providing clear and accurate materials updates.
* Investigate and participate in business improvement initiatives, including material rationalisation, cost reduction, and process optimisation.
* Foster a culture of best practice in materials planning, stock control, system discipline, and supplier management.
* Provide cover for the Materials Controller Supervisor as required, ensuring continuity of materials planning and control activities.
* Carry out ad‑hoc administrative tasks, including new SKU setup, system data maintenance, packaging database updates, and stock reconciliations with 3PLs.
Qualifications
* Experience in materials control, materials planning or supply chain roles within a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
* Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (e.g. Lawson or similar), including purchase order management and receipting.
* Proficient user of Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
* Highly organised, methodical and detail‑oriented with strong problem‑solving skills.
* Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with internal teams, suppliers and 3PL partners.
Desirable
* Experience working with third‑party logistics providers and external storage facilities.
* Understanding of concessions, shelf‑life management and waste reduction in a food manufacturing environment.
* Experience supporting NPD launches and seasonal campaigns.
Personal Attributes
* Energetic and enthusiastic with a hands‑on approach.
* Self‑motivated.
* Flexible attitude.
* A team player with well‑developed interpersonal skills.
* Able to work under pressure.
Benefits
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and Smart Pension.
* 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra.
* Holiday discounts via the online retail platform.
* Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in‑store.
* Free product handouts across the sites.
* EV charging points at selected sites.
* 24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional and practical support.
* Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on‑demand exercise classes, gym discounts.
* Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes.
* Online wellbeing support – mindfulness to lifestyle resources.
* Financial wellbeing tools – mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid.
* Personalised online learning platform (LMS).
* Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role.
* Performance development plans and regular career conversations.
* Company mentoring scheme.
* Recognition through Club Compleat rewards.
* Two paid volunteering days per year.
* Charity initiatives and fundraising events.
* Team socials.
* Employee networks & support groups – Women @ Compleat.
* New baby gift for new parents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to fairness, equity, inclusivity and respect. We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know – confidentially and with care.
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