Manufacturing Logistics Manager

The Manufacturing Logistics Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the logistics and supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment. This role ensures the efficient movement of raw materials, components, and finished products to meet production schedules and project programmes while minimizing costs, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The Logistics Manager will collaborate with various departments including design, planning, production and procurement to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Logistics Coordination: Manage the flow of materials, subcontractors and goods from suppliers to the Merit Factories and from production to project sites. Ensure the right products are delivered on time and to the appropriate quality standard.
• Inventory Management: Develop and maintain effective inventory control systems, ensuring materials and products are appropriately booked in, quality checked, stocked, stored, and accounted for. Work with stores teams to optimize space and handling methods.
• Supply Chain Optimisation: Work closely with procurement, production, and site to ensure the alignment of logistics with production schedules, demand forecasts, and inventory targets. Look for opportunities to reduce lead times, improve transport routes, better transport costs and enhance service delivery.
• Vendor Management: Build and maintain relationships with third-party logistics providers, transportation companies, and suppliers. Negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and ensure service levels are met.
• Transportation Management: Oversee transportation strategies for moving goods efficiently, both inbound (raw materials) and outbound (finished goods). Ensure compliance with regulations and cost-effective delivery. Coordinate with all transport suppliers to build better relationships and gain better value for money.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies regarding logistics operations, health and safety, and environmental impact. Lead efforts to minimize accidents, errors, and risks in the supply chain.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyse data to monitor key performance such as on-time deliveries, cost per unit, inventory turnover, and transportation efficiency. Provide regular reports to senior management and suggest improvements based on data insights.
• Team Working: Train out new processes to the wider business, present data analysis and revised strategies, promote a culture of continuous improvement and ensure team members are motivated and accountable.
• Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies in logistics operations and implement process improvements. Drive automation, technology adoption, and other innovations to enhance logistics performance.
• Budget Management: Oversee the logistics budget, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining high service standards. Track expenditures and report on financial performance against targets.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., APICS, CILT, Six Sigma) are desirable.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in logistics and supply chain management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role in a manufacturing environment. Experience in materials handling, transportation management, and warehouse operations.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in logistics and supply chain management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, WMS). Strong understanding of inventory management, demand forecasting, and ERP systems. Knowledge of transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and third-party partners.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team. Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work across departments and with external partners.
• Attention to Detail and Organisation: Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to ensure the accuracy of inventory, shipments, and delivery schedules.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with industry regulations, customs requirements, and compliance standards.
• Personal Attributes: Strong decision-making capabilities with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Ability to adapt to changing business needs and evolving market conditions. High level of integrity and commitment to operational excellence.
• Working Conditions: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime or weekend work based on production needs. Based in Merit Factory 2 Cramlington, Northumberland – responsible for both factory 1 and 2. May require occasional travel nationally and internationally to sites or suppliers.