Manager, Operations Management/Planning/Transport in Manchester

We’re building a modern, resilient materials planning capability that supports Light & Wonder’s global gaming hardware portfolio, from new product launches to sustained, high‑volume production. As Manager, Materials Management/ Planning you’ll play a pivotal, hands‑on role in shaping how materials, inventory, and data flow across the business, helping define how we plan, execute, and scale now and in the future. This role offers genuine ownership. You’ll operate at the core of our operations driving strategy, improving critical planning systems and processes, and leading performance‑critical initiatives around service, inventory accuracy, and cost.

Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, finance, IT, purchasing and logistics teams, you’ll lead in an agile, data‑driven environment where your decisions have visible, business‑wide impact.

• Own end‑to‑end materials and inventory planning to support production, global distribution, and new product launches.
• Translate demand and SIOP inputs into reliable, executable material plans, ensuring strong on‑time parts availability.
• Manage long‑lead‑time and constrained components to maintain supply continuity.
• Lead inventory optimisation, including safety‑stock strategy, lifecycle planning, and accuracy improvement initiatives.
• Drive best‑in‑class inventory control through robust cycle counting and reduce excess, ageing, and obsolete stock.
• Champion operational excellence through Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, improving planning and material handling efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement through process standardisation, redesign, and corrective actions, supporting transport and shipping where needed.
• Leverage data and automation (SQL, VBA, BI tools) to streamline processes and reduce manual effort.
• Partner with IT to enhance MRP, RMA, and materials systems, delivering clear reporting and actionable insights.
• Lead and develop high‑performing teams across materials planning, inventory control, and transport operations.
• Manage third‑party logistics partners to ensure accurate, on‑time, in‑full delivery and high customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally and present confidently to senior stakeholders, using data to influence decision‑making.

• Strong experience in materials planning, inventory management, or supply chain leadership.
• A proven track record of improving service levels, inventory accuracy, and cost performance.
• Advanced data and analytics capability, including automation and reporting.
• Experience in manufacturing, electronics, or hardware‑based environments.
• Confidence leading teams and influencing cross‑functional stakeholders.

• SIOP experience (desirable).
• Exposure to regulated or global manufacturing environments.
• Lean / Six Sigma or APICS certification.

• Discretionary annual performance bonus.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working (1 day paid leave to work on charitable projects).
• 1 day paid for personal celebration (e.g., birthdays).
• Half‑day for health and wellbeing.
• Up to 8% employer pension contributions.
• Reward platform offering cycle‑to‑work scheme and shopping, lifestyle discounts/cashback.
• Wellbeing benefits including private medical insurance, dental insurance, and Aviva DigiCare Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Optional benefits such as Tastecard, Give As You Earn and Travel Ticket Loan.

We are unable to sponsor visas at this time. This job description should not be interpreted as all‑inclusive; it is intended to identify major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The employee in this position may be requested to perform other job‑related tasks and responsibilities than those stated above.