Materials Control Manager in Coventry, Longford

Location: Coventry, UK

Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)

Vacancy Type: Full-time and Permanent

Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 subject to experience + discretionary bonuses

The role

As Materials Control Manager at NP Aerospace, you will play a key role in keeping our Coventry production facility moving by ensuring materials are controlled, available, accurate and ready to support manufacturing demand. This is a hands-on leadership role within our Supply Chain function, with responsibility for inventory management, stores operations, material flow and production support. You will lead a small team, drive strong stock discipline and ensure materials are received, stored, issued and recorded accurately across the site. You will work closely with Procurement, Production Control, Manufacturing and wider Supply Chain teams to improve inventory accuracy, reduce material shortages and support smooth production delivery. As the business continues to grow, you will also help strengthen our materials control processes, improve reporting and support the introduction of a new ERP system. This role would suit an experienced Materials Control Manager, Stores Manager or Inventory Manager who enjoys leading people, improving processes and making a visible impact in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Please note, due to operational needs, this is a full-time site-based role.

What you'll get in return

• Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
• Flex your day – flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
• Time to recharge – 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
• Future security – competitive pension scheme, 9% combined employer/employee contributions
• Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
• Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
• Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
• Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose

What you'll be doing

In this role, you will lead the Materials Control function and ensure materials are controlled, available and accurately recorded to support production delivery. The key duties and responsibilities are outlined below.

Inventory control and accuracy

• Maintain accurate inventory records, ensuring stock movements are recorded correctly and inventory data is reliable.
• Lead cycle counts, stock checks and inventory audits, identifying variances and ensuring corrective actions are completed.
• Monitor and report stock levels, usage trends, discrepancies and potential shortages to support production planning and decision-making.
• Improve inventory processes and controls to strengthen data accuracy, stock availability and traceability.

Stores and material flow

• Oversee the receipt, storage, handling and issue of materials across the site.
• Ensure incoming materials are received accurately, efficiently and with the correct documentation.
• Improve storage layouts, labelling, stock identification and material handling practices to support safe and efficient operations.
• Ensure materials are available to production when required, reducing delays, shortages and disruption to manufacturing activity.

Team leadership

• Lead, support and develop the Materials Control team, creating a culture of accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Set clear expectations for performance, safety, housekeeping, stock discipline and service to production.
• Coach team members, support development and ensure the team has the capability to meet current and future business needs.

Production and supply chain support

• Work closely with Procurement to support planned material deliveries and address stock shortages, supplier issues or delivery risks.
• Collaborate with Production Control and Manufacturing to align material availability with production schedules.
• Provide clear reporting on inventory levels, material availability and inventory accuracy to support effective decision-making.

Systems, process improvement and continuous improvement

• Use the company’s ERP system to support effective stock control, material issuing, traceability and reporting.
• Support the business with the introduction of a new ERP system, using technology to improve inventory control and material visibility.
• Identify and implement process improvements to improve material flow, reduce waste, improve efficiency and strengthen stock control.

Health, safety and compliance

• Maintain a safe, organised and efficient working environment across stores and material control areas.
• Ensure stock is clearly labelled, properly stored and handled in line with company procedures.
• Promote strong Health and Safety standards, good housekeeping and 5S across the team.

The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience leading a Materials Control, Stores, Inventory Management or Production Stores team within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, stock accuracy, material flow and stock management processes.
• Experience managing cycle counts, stock checks or inventory audits, with the ability to investigate variances and implement corrective actions.
• Experience using ERP, stock management or warehouse management systems to control materials, record transactions and support accurate reporting.
• Able to lead, support and develop a team, setting clear expectations around safety, accuracy, service and performance.
• Experience working closely with Production, Production Control, Procurement or Supply Chain teams to support material availability and production delivery.
• Able to produce and use inventory reports, KPI data and stock information to support decision-making and improve performance.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with experience improving processes, reducing errors and strengthening ways of working.

Potential ability assessment

As part of the interview process, you may be asked to deliver a short presentation on a materials control challenge relevant to the role. This may include how you would improve inventory accuracy, strengthen stock control processes, support production requirements, lead a stores or materials team and use ERP data to improve visibility and decision-making. Full details and preparation guidance will be shared in advance.

What do we do at NP Aerospace?

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry. Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture. Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations. Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws. Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.