Materials & Logistics Manager

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\n

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• Ensure continuous material availability to support JIT production with zero line stoppages
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• Manage supplier call-offs, sequenced releases, and short lead-time adjustments driven by customer schedule changes
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• Lead expediting activities to mitigate material shortages and supply risk
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• Proactively identify potential disruptions and implement effective recovery and contingency plans
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• Maintain accuracy of MRP parameters, BOMs, and sequencing data to support JIT performance
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• Operate confidently with large and complex data sets (e.g. 1,500 part numbers with multiple data attributes)
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Logistics & Warehousing\n

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• Oversee inbound, internal, and line-side logistics within a low-inventory, high-velocity JIT environment
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• Ensure efficient goods receipt, storage, picking, kitting, and line feeding
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• Maintain high standards of inventory accuracy, FIFO, traceability, and space optimisation
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• Minimise premium freight and non–value-added handling
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Leadership & Financial Accountability\n

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• Lead, motivate, and develop materials and warehouse teams operating across shifts
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• 5 x direct reports: 4 x Expeditors and 1 x Materials Supervisor
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• Set clear expectations aligned to KPIs such as OTIF, material availability and line stoppage prevention
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• Manage MP&L budgets, inventory investment and freight spend, identifying ongoing cost reduction opportunities
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• Ensure full compliance with company policies and procedures
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Supplier, Customer & Cross-Functional Interface\n

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• Act as the primary escalation point for suppliers within the JIT supply chain
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• Work closely with Production, Quality, Finance and Customer teams to respond rapidly to schedule fluctuations
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• Manage model phase-out activity to minimise obsolescence and support robust customer liability recovery
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• Provide accurate forecasting and KPI reporting using designated SCM tools
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• Support customer audits, launches and internal reviews
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Continuous Improvement\n

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• Drive lean logistics initiatives, including kanban systems and line-side optimisation
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• Improve inventory turns while protecting production continuity
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• Track and improve performance across material availability, inventory accuracy, premium freight and supplier delivery
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Your experience as Materials & Logistics Manager:\n

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• Proven leadership experience in Materials, Logistics or Supply Chain within a JIT automotive, manufacturing or engineering enviroment
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• Strong knowledge of JIT operations, schedule volatility and risk management
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• Experience leading materials expediting and warehouse teams
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• Strong ERP/MRP knowledge with a data-driven approach to decision making
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• Degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations or related discipline
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• Experience of end to end material and logistics management with focus on inbound freight
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• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
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• Strong people leadership capability with a results-focused mindset
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• Proficient in Microsoft Office
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• Will consider relocators at own expense
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Desirable experience:\n

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• Working knowledge of QAD and/or SAP
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• Familiarity with IATF 16949
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• Professional logistics qualification
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Benefits Package:\n

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• Salary from £58,000 depending on experience
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• Optional 9 day working fortnight
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• Employee well-being program
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• Occupational health & physiotherapy availability
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• Ongoing training and career development
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• Access to High Street discounts & benefits
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• Reward & Recognition awards
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• Employee Assistance Program (available for family members too) 24/7, 365 days
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• 24/7 Virtual GP (available for family members too)
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• 26 days holiday + bank holidays, increasing with service
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• Enhanced pension scheme and death in service benefits
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• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
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• Onsite facilities including free parking
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• Potential to travel and support other sites and initiatives
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Materials & Logistics ManagerSunderland, Tyne & WearFrom £58,000 depending on experience + benefits