Materials & Logistics Manager

Description:

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 handlingLeadership & 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 proceduresSupplier, 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 reviewsContinuous 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 deliveryYour experience as Materials & Logistics Manager:

Proven leadership experience in Materials, Logistics or Supply Chain within a JIT automotive, manufacturing or engineering enviroment
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 expenseDesirable experience:

Working knowledge of QAD and/or SAP
Familiarity with IATF 16949
Professional logistics qualificationBenefits 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 & Logistics Manager
 
Sunderland, Tyne & Wear
 
From £58,000 depending on experience + benefits