Head of Yard and Logistics in Tranent

Had-Fab is a growing, family-owned engineering and fabrication business operating across the UK’s energy and infrastructure sectors.

As the business continues to expand, we are looking for an experienced Head of Yard & Logistics to lead the next stage of development of our logistics operation. This is not simply a role focused on managing the yard as it operates today. We are looking for someone who can develop our logistics capability, improve our processes and build an operation that can scale with Had-Fab’s future growth.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer / Head of Operations, you will take ownership of Yard & Logistics and have the opportunity to influence how material moves through our business from receipt and storage through production, external processing and final dispatch.

The Opportunity

Had-Fab is increasing its production capability, project volumes and operational complexity. With that growth comes the need to continually improve how we manage our yards, materials, inventory, transport and logistics. We want our logistics operation to become increasingly planned, connected, visible and data-driven. You will help us develop the processes, systems, infrastructure and leadership capability needed to achieve this.

A major focus will be understanding how we operate today, identifying where we can improve and implementing practical solutions that make our logistics operation safer, more efficient and easier to scale.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing a clear Yard & Logistics strategy that supports Had-Fab’s continued growth.
• Reviewing existing processes and introducing more efficient and scalable ways of working.
• Improving the flow of steel and fabricated products through receipt, storage, production, galvanising and dispatch.
• Developing stronger links between Production, Planning, Projects, Transport and Yard Operations.
• Improving how materials are planned, staged and prioritised to support production requirements.
• Developing yard layouts, storage methods and traffic flows to support increasing volumes.
• Improving inventory control, stock accuracy and material traceability.
• Developing transport planning, dispatch sequencing and delivery processes.
• Improving coordination with external processors, including galvanising suppliers.
• Developing our use of StruMIS and digital systems to improve visibility and traceability.
• Introducing meaningful KPIs around safety, material movement, stock accuracy, utilisation, dispatch and delivery performance.
• Identifying future requirements for yard infrastructure, equipment, systems and resources.
• Building standardised processes that can be used as the business and our operational footprint continue to grow.
• Leading, coaching and developing our Yard & Logistics management and operational teams.
• Driving a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement and operational ownership.

What We’re Looking For

We are particularly interested in someone who has experience of developing or transforming logistics and operational processes, rather than simply maintaining an established operation. You may come from structural steel, fabrication, heavy manufacturing, engineering, construction logistics or another complex industrial environment.

You will ideally bring:

• Senior leadership experience within logistics, yard operations, manufacturing or a similar operational environment.
• Experience developing and improving logistics or material-flow processes.
• Strong understanding of material handling, storage, inventory, dispatch and transport operations.
• Experience supporting a growing or changing operational environment.
• Strong process improvement and problem-solving capability.
• Experience implementing systems, controls and standard ways of working.
• ERP/MRP experience, with an understanding of digital material traceability.
• Experience with Lean, continuous improvement or operational excellence.
• Strong understanding of operational health and safety.
• The ability to work across Production, Planning, Projects, Quality, HSE, Commercial and Procurement.
• Strong leadership skills with a practical, visible and hands-on approach.

Why Had-Fab?

This is an opportunity to build something. Rather than stepping into a logistics operation where everything is already established, you will have the opportunity to influence how Had-Fab’s logistics function develops as the company grows. You’ll be able to challenge existing ways of working, introduce new processes, improve systems, develop our people and help create a logistics operation capable of supporting the next stage of Had-Fab’s growth. If you are passionate about logistics, process improvement and building scalable operations, we would like to hear from you.