At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing materials and logistics for a top automotive manufacturer.
- Company: Join a world leader in automotive components with a global reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive employee perks.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in JIT supply chain management and strong ERP knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 58000 £ per year.
Materials & Logistics Manager sought by a world leader in the manufacture of automotive components. The company provides quality products, services and solutions worldwide to customers in over 150 countries. Due to an internal promotion, they seek a senior materials management professional to join their Sunderland team as the Materials & Logistics Manager.
Your role as Materials & Logistics Manager:
- JIT Materials Planning & Control
- Ensure continuous material availability to support JIT production with zero line stoppages
- Manage supplier call-offs, sequenced releases, and short lead-time adjustments driven by customer schedule changes
- Lead expediting activities to mitigate material shortages and supply risk
- Proactively identify potential disruptions and implement effective recovery and contingency plans
- Maintain accuracy of MRP parameters, BOMs, and sequencing data to support JIT performance
- Operate confidently with large and complex data sets (e.g. 1,500 part numbers with multiple data attributes)
- Logistics & Warehousing
- Oversee inbound, internal, and line-side logistics within a low-inventory, high-velocity JIT environment
- Ensure efficient goods receipt, storage, picking, kitting, and line feeding
- Maintain high standards of inventory accuracy, FIFO, traceability, and space optimisation
- Minimise premium freight and non–value-added handling
- Leadership & Financial Accountability
- Lead, motivate, and develop materials and warehouse teams operating across shifts
- 5 x direct reports: 4 x Expeditors and 1 x Materials Supervisor
- Set clear expectations aligned to KPIs such as OTIF, material availability and line stoppage prevention
- Manage MP&L budgets, inventory investment and freight spend, identifying ongoing cost reduction opportunities
- Ensure full compliance with company policies and procedures
- Supplier, Customer & Cross-Functional Interface
- Act as the primary escalation point for suppliers within the JIT supply chain
- Work closely with Production, Quality, Finance and Customer teams to respond rapidly to schedule fluctuations
- Manage model phase-out activity to minimise obsolescence and support robust customer liability recovery
- Provide accurate forecasting and KPI reporting using designated SCM tools
- Support customer audits, launches and internal reviews
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive lean logistics initiatives, including kanban systems and line-side optimisation
- Improve inventory turns while protecting production continuity
- Track and improve performance across material availability, inventory accuracy, premium freight and supplier delivery
Your experience as Materials & Logistics Manager:
- Proven leadership experience in Materials, Logistics or Supply Chain within a JIT automotive, manufacturing or engineering environment
- Strong knowledge of JIT operations, schedule volatility and risk management
- Experience leading materials expediting and warehouse teams
- Strong ERP/MRP knowledge with a data-driven approach to decision making
- Degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations or related discipline
- Experience of end to end material and logistics management with focus on inbound freight
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong people leadership capability with a results-focused mindset
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Will consider relocators at own expense
Desirable experience:
- Working knowledge of QAD and/or SAP
- Familiarity with IATF 16949
- Professional logistics qualification
Benefits Package:
- Salary from £58,000 depending on experience
- Optional 9 day working fortnight
- Employee well-being program
- Occupational health & physiotherapy availability
- Ongoing training and career development
- Access to High Street discounts & benefits
- Reward & Recognition awards
- Employee Assistance Program (available for family members too) 24/7, 365 days
- 24/7 Virtual GP (available for family members too)
- 26 days holiday + bank holidays, increasing with service
- Enhanced pension scheme and death in service benefits
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Onsite facilities including free parking
- Potential to travel and support other sites and initiatives
Materials And Logistics Manager in Sunderland employer: Recruit4Talent Ltd
Recruit4Talent Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Sunderland that fosters innovation and teamwork. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous training and development opportunities, ensuring your skills remain sharp in the fast-paced manufacturing sector. The company promotes a culture of collaboration, where your contributions directly impact operational success and cost efficiency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials And Logistics Manager in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive and logistics sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s JIT processes and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their operations. Tailor your answers to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in materials management. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you that Materials & Logistics Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials And Logistics Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Materials & Logistics Manager role. Highlight your experience in JIT environments and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with ERP/MRP systems!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage materials and logistics effectively. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you into our system quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Talent Ltd
✨Know Your JIT Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on Just-In-Time (JIT) principles and how they apply to materials management. Be ready to discuss your experience with JIT operations, especially in a fast-paced environment like automotive manufacturing.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since the role involves handling large data sets, come prepared to talk about your experience with ERP/MRP systems. Highlight specific examples where you've used data to make decisions or improve processes, as this will show your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to motivating and developing team members, and how you’ve set clear expectations aligned with KPIs. This will demonstrate your capability to lead in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle potential disruptions in the supply chain. Think of specific scenarios from your past experience where you successfully implemented recovery plans or improved logistics efficiency, and be ready to share those stories.
