At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead materials planning and inventory management for innovative gaming products.
- Company: Join Light & Wonder, a leader in land-based gaming technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and drive operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic, data-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in materials planning and strong data analytics skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Welcome to the world of land-based gaming. At Light & Wonder, it’s all about the games, and our Gaming team builds cutting-edge technology, products, and content for the most iconic casinos and operators across the globe.
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. We're looking for people who are full of ideas, want to challenge the norm and work to our core values:
- Dare to be Bold - We always bring courage to work to reach for the unbelievable.
- Uphold Integrity - We promote accountability and respect to raise the bar for ourselves and the industry.
- Never Settle - We relentlessly push forward to create the extraordinary in every detail.
- Celebrate Perspectives - We combine diverse talent to look at the familiar in unfamiliar ways.
- Win as a Team – We bring out the best in each other to share collective success.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Requirements (Must Have)
- 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.
Desirable
- SIOP experience.
- Exposure and understanding of regulated or global manufacturing environments.
- Confidence leading teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Lean / Six Sigma or APICS certification.
Benefits
- 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 (encouraging you to take time away for you & your wellbeing).
- Up to 8% employer pension contributions.
- A reward platform offering a cycle to work scheme and shopping and 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. If you require visa sponsorship now or in the future we will not be able to progress with your application. 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.
Manager, Operations Management/Planning/Transport employer: Light & Wonder
At Light & Wonder, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including hybrid working options, generous holiday allowances, and wellbeing initiatives, all designed to support a healthy work-life balance. Join us in a vibrant location where your contributions will directly impact the gaming industry, and be part of a team that celebrates diverse perspectives and collective success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Operations Management/Planning/Transport
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Light & Wonder and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Light & Wonder!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Light & Wonder keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Operations Management/Planning/Transport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Light & Wonder:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Light & Wonder. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Light & Wonder
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Light & Wonder.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Light & Wonder that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Light & Wonder. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!