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

• 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 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 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, 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