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: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive employee well-being programs.
- Other info: Exciting career development opportunities and a supportive team 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 34000 - 40000 £ 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 Virtual GP (available for family members too).
- 26 days holiday.
Materials & Logistics Manager in London employer: Recruit4Talent
As a Machine Minder at our food manufacturing facility, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to quality and efficiency. We offer competitive pay, a supportive work culture that values teamwork and innovation, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the industry. Join us in a location that prioritises employee well-being and fosters a sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials & Logistics Manager in London
✨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 Recruit4Talent 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 Recruit4Talent!
✨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 Recruit4Talent 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 Materials & Logistics Manager in London
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 Recruit4Talent:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Recruit4Talent. 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 Recruit4Talent
✨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 Recruit4Talent.
✨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 Recruit4Talent 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 Recruit4Talent. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
