Materials Operations Manager

Materials Operations Manager – Eaton Lakeside – Birmingham, England

Eaton Lakeside is a global leader in aerospace and defense propulsion systems. This role oversees internal materials management and short‑term production scheduling at the Eaton factory, ensuring alignment with the Master Production Schedule developed by the Network Planning team through the SIOP process.

What You’ll Do

• Lead short‑term production scheduling in accordance with S&OE processes.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through effective cycle counting and data integrity.
• Manage the movement, storage, and internal distribution of materials across the facility.
• Oversee logistics activities including internal receipts, transportation, and site‑level distribution.
• Administer indirect and MRO purchasing in line with Eaton policies.
• Monitor production schedule execution and raise material availability issues to COE and Network teams.
• Drive forecast attainment and execute shipment schedules aligned with customer priorities.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using tools such as MMA, OPA, visual management, standard work, and VSM.
• Maintain target inventory levels and achieve OTD goals for internal and external customers.
• Minimize premium freight costs while meeting overall freight targets.
• Ensure data health across plant‑owned systems including routings, WMS, MRO, shipping and receiving, and production scheduling.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for SIOP execution issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum five years of experience in Materials, Operations, or Supply Chain Management within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum three years of experience managing teams.

Skills

• Experience supporting cross‑functional SIOP and inventory management processes.
• Strong technical knowledge of forecasting, bill of materials structuring, and scheduling execution.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably Eaton’s current platforms.
• In‑depth understanding of manufacturing processes and value streams.
• APICS CPIM certification.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to motivate and guide teams toward achieving operational goals.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Challenging projects in a dynamic collaborative team.
• Internal promotion opportunities whenever possible.
• Long‑term investment in employees through Eaton University learning and development.
• Commitment to reliability, safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Health and safety first with wellness programs and supportive tools.

The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR‑controlled technology, goods and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR‑controlled technology and goods may be required to undergo an additional screening process.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status protected or required by law.