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