At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing materials and logistics for automotive production.
- Company: Join a world leader in automotive components with a global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive employee perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and potential travel to support other sites.
- 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.
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:
- Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will be responsible for a team of Materials Expeditors and a Materials Supervisor operating in a fast-paced, customer-driven JIT environment.
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.
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 + 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 & Logistics Manager in The Boldons 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 The Boldons
✨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 and its JIT operations. Understand their challenges and think of how your experience can help them overcome these. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams in the past and improved processes. Use specific examples that highlight your results-focused mindset and ability to drive continuous improvement.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Materials & Logistics Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials & Logistics Manager in The Boldons
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Materials & Logistics Manager. Highlight your experience in JIT environments and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with 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 the perfect fit for our team in Sunderland. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in materials management and logistics.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves working with large data sets, make sure to mention your proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and any relevant tools. We love a data-driven approach, so let us know how you've used data to make decisions in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Talent
✨Know Your JIT Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Just-In-Time (JIT) operations. Be ready to discuss how you've managed material availability and dealt with schedule fluctuations in the past. This will show that you understand the core principles of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since you'll be working with large and complex 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. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and data-driven approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Materials & Logistics Manager, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples where you've motivated and developed your team members. Be ready to discuss how you set clear expectations and aligned them with KPIs. This will help convey your leadership capability and results-focused mindset.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle potential disruptions or supply risks. Prepare some scenarios from your past experience where you successfully implemented recovery plans or improved logistics processes. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and proactive approach.
