Materials Controller in Leeds

Together, we move what matters. We are at the start of something powerful. Heavy Haul Rail was created with a simple but transformative belief: the UK deserves a smarter, cleaner, more resilient freight future. And we have the opportunity to build it.

Every role in this business carries purpose. Whether you work in operational delivery, driving trains, engineering, or business support, the work you do contributes directly to reducing emissions, easing road congestion, strengthening supply chains and powering British industry. This is meaningful work, with real impact.

Who we are: Previously operating as Freightliner’s Heavy Haul business, we are now an independent company following CMA CGM Group’s acquisition of Freightliner UK’s Intermodal Logistics business in January 2026. Heavy Haul Rail is the UK’s next-generation rail freight partner built for a sector ready to evolve. We believe it’s time to move differently. Congested roads, rising emissions, fragile supply chains. These aren’t just logistical challenges; they’re environmental and economic wake-up calls. We’re here to lead the modal shift, helping businesses transition from road to rail.

We move 17 million tonnes of freight a year for customers in the industrial, energy and construction markets. The company operates 95 locomotives and over 1000 wagons. Heavy Haul Rail’s team of 950 supports customer deliveries to over 100 locations across the UK, running 250 trains per week. Heavy Haul Rail also supports the renewal and maintenance of the rail infrastructure and supports passenger train operators and rolling stock companies, including the provision of drivers and route conducting services.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Heavy Haul Rail Ltd for an experienced Materials Controller to be based at our Leeds Vehicle Maintenance Facility. Reporting to the Stores Manager, the successful applicant will join the Stores team at Leeds VMF and will assist with the day to day running of the Stores.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Managing goods inwards and storing materials correctly, raising requisitions, preparation of material to ship for overhaul, loading / unloading vehicles / stock counting / issuing of material / raising orders / expediting orders.
• Monitor the utilisation of materials on site.
• Ensure house-keeping is maintained to the highest standard to improve efficiency and safety at all times.
• Liaise with the Stores Manager and production teams across Heavy Haul sites as required.
• Adhere to internal procedures.

The ideal candidates will ideally possess the following skills and attributes:

• A commitment to safe working practices.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of materials control, purchase order processing and logistics.
• At least 2 years’ experience within the following areas / roles, Materials Controller / Logistics Coordinator.
• Have a good understanding of Material procurement/Purchasing processes.
• Must be able to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work on own initiative with a minimum of supervision.
• Have enthusiasm and be a self-starter.
• Be able to work to tight deadlines.
• Be able to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Excellent computer skills and the ability to use Microsoft software packages.
• Knowledge of budgets and be able to work within them.
• Due to the physical aspects of this role, such as receiving delivery of materials, a Counterbalance Fork lift Truck qualification is essential. Telehandler or overhead crane operating experience would be an advantage.
• A flexible approach to working hours is essential as Leeds VMF operates 24/7.

Please note that this post is subject to standard pre-employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening and successful DBS background checks.

Why Join Us?

Here, you’re not one small part of a big machine. You’re a key contributor with national significance and real-world impact. We want our colleagues to feel proud of the work they do, connected to our mission and empowered to shape the future of this business. As part of Heavy Haul Rail, you can expect:

• Purpose that matters. Your work contributes to a cleaner, more efficient freight industry.
• Opportunity to shape what’s next. We’re new, agile and ready to do things differently, your ideas help build our future.
• A team that moves forward together. Collaboration, respect and shared ambition define how we work.
• A commitment to excellence. We deliver with pride, precision and professionalism.
• Room to grow. Your development fuels our momentum.

Our perks and benefits:

Our people are our most important asset. We strive to empower our employees, ensuring they are trained and competent, fit for work, always informed, and completely engaged in our culture that places safety and wellbeing firmly at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles. In return we can offer considerable career progression, and a rewarding career in an award-winning team alongside:

• Competitive pay.
• Fantastic final-salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period.
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and development.
• Access to the company's life assurance scheme.
• A range of benefits to make your own so you can get the most of your work and home life which will also help save you money and hassle.

We know where we’re heading. We know why it matters. Now, it’s time to move, to make it real, together. For queries contact careers@heavyhaulrail.co.uk

Shaping tomorrow. Starting today. The future we want to build won’t happen on its own, we have to move it forward, together. Heavy Haul Rail has the purpose, the ambition and the opportunity to reshape how Britain moves. Whatever our roles, we are collaborators, creators and custodians of a better future. This journey starts with what we choose to do today, tomorrow and every day after that.

Our values are:

• Make Every Mile Matter: We act with intention and responsibility, knowing our work shapes a cleaner, stronger future for the UK.
• Build Boldly: We use our entrepreneurial spirit to challenge legacy thinking and design better ways forward, for our customers, our industry and each other.
• We move as one: We collaborate with trust, respect and shared momentum, because progress is a team sport.
• Deliver with certainty: We stand behind our work. We’re reliable, precise and accountable in everything we do.
• Fuelling The Future: We invest in our people and our potential, championing learning, curiosity and continuous improvement.