Materials Operative in Ashford

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multicultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities - and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology - and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

Job Description

Your new role: Materials Operative. Salary: £33,344. Location: Ashford. Hours: Day shift. Remote: No. Job Schedule: Full time. You’ll support the delivery of material requirements within the Technical Support & Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA), helping to ensure the right materials and spares are available to support train maintenance activities. Working closely with the Materials and Stores teams, you’ll support stock control, goods movements, purchasing, dispatch and inventory management to maintain an efficient and reliable materials operation.

What you’ll be doing

• Assist the Materials team with the end to end process of managing Inbound/ Outbound goods and materials issuing transactions.
• Collaborate with the Train Maintainer stores team to ensure seamless material provision.
• Maintain the material returns as required, items quarantined or returned to stock as dictated by business needs.
• Assist, when required, with the purchasing of materials, spares, equipment, tools and associated services ensuring on time delivery.
• Prepare material for dispatch and arrange collection with the courier.
• Support in the monitoring and understanding of material demand and trends, highlighting any changes or needs to the Materials Team.
• Interact with the Master Scheduler to understand demand and forecast.
• Ensure material is safely and efficiently stored, using forklift, crane or other company equipment as necessary whilst ensuring a good level of housekeeping.
• Use and maintain MRP data as the primary planning system tool.
• Support inventory checks as per the plan to ensure correct stock levels, including perpetual checks as required and report on variances to the Materials Manager.
• Support the development and mobilisation of the materials management system and processes to ensure robust, timely, and accurate materials transactional requirements are met.
• Support the implementation, compliance, and continuous improvement of Stores processes.
• Identification of continuous improvement initiatives to the Materials Manager/ Regional Stores Manager and Contract Manager.
• Carry out all duties in a safe and responsible manner.
• Support with the execution and excellence in the area of stock and demand replenishment providing feedback to the supply chain on risks regarding replenishment levels and demand.
• Learn new skills in accordance with Hitachi’s new business demands as required.
• Liaison with Hitachi and external personnel as required to complete the duties of the post.
• Carry out any additional duties as required.

About you

Essential Licences / Competences

• Depot Induction (training will be provided).
• Experience in a planning/procurement role within a manufacturing facility.
• Experience with a computerised inventory control system.
• Competent IT Skills in Microsoft Office.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• An understanding of health and safety requirements of a working environment.

Desirable Licences / Competences

• Clean valid driving license.
• MRP experience is advantageous.
• SAP experience would be advantageous.
• Experience of statistical reporting, forecasting and understanding of financial and operational impacts of forecasting.
• Current and valid counterbalance FLT licence (training will be provided).

Qualifications

• English GCSE level or equivalent.
• Mathematics GCSE level or equivalent.

Behavioural Approach

• All tasks and objectives with positive enthusiasm and flexibility.
• Sound knowledge of, and compliance to, rules and regulations.
• Able to represent Hitachi in a professional manner at all times.
• Good team worker.
• Position holder must be able to interface effectively with all levels of personnel both within and outside the company.
• Self-motivated.

What we offer

We value the importance of all of our employees, if you would like to join our fantastic organisation you could be entitled to:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday
• Potential opportunity for annual performance related bonus
• Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
• Private medical insurance
• Personal Accident insurance
• Group Income protection
• Group Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme

We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.

We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Closing date for applications is 5th October 2026.

E-mail us for data privacy inquiries or technical support.