Materials Manager in Hailsham

Our client is a growing, technology-led manufacturing business operating within a complex, high-value engineering environment. As part of continued growth and development, they are looking to appoint an experienced Materials Manager to lead and develop their purchasing, production planning and materials operations. This is a key operational leadership position, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on supply chain performance, production efficiency and the company's continued growth.

The Role

As Materials Manager, you will take responsibility for the effective planning, purchasing and flow of materials across the business, ensuring that production requirements are met and customer commitments are achieved. You will lead a small, multidisciplinary team while working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Sales to ensure strong operational alignment. The role will suit an experienced materials, purchasing or supply chain professional who is comfortable operating in a low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environment and who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the materials, purchasing and planning function, creating a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement.
• Oversee production planning, purchasing and material scheduling to support customer and production requirements.
• Ensure materials are available at the right time and in the right quantities to maintain efficient production flow.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships, supporting strong supplier performance and delivery.
• Monitor and improve supplier and customer on-time delivery performance.
• Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Sales to identify and resolve supply and planning issues.
• Develop robust processes and systems capable of supporting future business growth and increased production activity.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce risk and strengthen supply chain performance.
• Support the introduction and development of effective inventory, planning and replenishment processes.
• Provide commercial and operational insight to senior management and contribute to wider business planning.
• Lead, coach and develop the materials team, ensuring clear objectives, effective performance management and ongoing development.
• Promote a structured, data-driven approach to planning, problem solving and decision making.
• Ensure purchasing and planning activities operate in accordance with relevant quality systems and manufacturing best practice.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Materials, Purchasing, Planning or Supply Chain Manager with a strong background in a manufacturing environment. You will ideally have:

• Significant experience across purchasing, production planning, materials management and/or logistics.
• Experience working within a low-volume, high-complexity or technically demanding manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience managing and developing a team.
• A strong understanding of production planning, purchasing and supply chain processes.
• Experience managing supplier performance and developing effective supplier relationships.
• A track record of delivering improvements in operational performance and efficiency.
• Good understanding of quality management systems and manufacturing best practice.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• The ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
• A commercially aware and pragmatic approach, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to work effectively within a growing and fast-paced organisation.

A degree or relevant professional qualification would be advantageous, although equivalent experience will be considered.

Why Consider the Role?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing engineering and manufacturing organisation where you will have genuine influence over the development of the materials and supply chain function. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape processes, develop a team and contribute directly to improving operational performance as the business continues to grow.

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV. All applications will be treated confidentially. If you know someone suitable for this role, share the word and through our referral scheme receive up to £250! For full details on all Permanent, Temporary and Contract career opportunities we are actively seeking candidates for. Recruiting on the basis of Talent, we are committed to supporting and promoting diversity in the workplace and consider all applications. Any salary advertised is for search purposes only. If you have not heard from us within 7 days you will have not been successful on this occasion, however, we would welcome your application for alternative vacancies.