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 & ControlEnsure continuous material availability to support JIT production with zero line stoppagesManage supplier call-offs, sequenced releases, and short lead-time adjustments driven by customer schedule changesLead expediting activities to mitigate material shortages and supply riskProactively identify potential disruptions and implement effective recovery and contingency plansMaintain accuracy of MRP parameters, BOMs, and sequencing data to support JIT performanceOperate confidently with large and complex data sets (e.g. 1,500 part numbers with multiple data attributes)Logistics & WarehousingOversee inbound, internal, and line-side logistics within a low-inventory, high-velocity JIT environmentEnsure efficient goods receipt, storage, picking, kitting, and line feedingMaintain high standards of inventory accuracy, FIFO, traceability, and space optimisationMinimise premium freight and nonvalue-added handlingLeadership & Financial AccountabilityLead, motivate, and develop materials and warehouse teams operating across shifts5 x direct reports: 4 x Expeditors and 1 x Materials SupervisorSet clear expectations aligned to KPIs such as OTIF, material availability and line stoppage preventionManage MP&L budgets, inventory investment and freight spend, identifying ongoing cost reduction opportunitiesEnsure full compliance with company policies and proceduresSupplier, Customer & Cross-Functional InterfaceAct as the primary escalation point for suppliers within the JIT supply chainWork closely with Production, Quality, Finance and Customer teams to respond rapidly to schedule fluctuationsManage model phase-out activity to minimise obsolescence and support robust customer liability recoveryProvide accurate forecasting and KPI reporting using designated SCM toolsSupport customer audits, launches and internal reviewsContinuous ImprovementDrive lean logistics initiatives, including kanban systems and line-side optimisationImprove inventory turns while protecting production continuityTrack 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 environmentStrong knowledge of JIT operations, schedule volatility and risk managementExperience leading materials expediting and warehouse teamsStrong ERP/MRP knowledge with a data-driven approach to decision makingDegree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations or related disciplineExperience of end to end material and logistics management with focus on inbound freightExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsStrong people leadership capability with a results-focused mindsetProficient in Microsoft OfficeWill consider relocators at own expenseDesirable experience:Working knowledge of QAD and/or SAPFamiliarity with IATF 16949Professional logistics qualificationBenefits Package:Salary from £58,000 depending on experienceOptional 9 day working fortnightEmployee well-being programOccupational health & physiotherapy availabilityOngoing training and career developmentAccess to High Street discounts & benefitsReward & Recognition awardsEmployee Assistance Program (available for family members too) 24/7, 365 days24/7 Virtual GP (available for family members too)26 days holiday + bank holidays, increasing with serviceEnhanced pension scheme and death in service benefitsCycle to work salary sacrifice schemeOnsite facilities including free parkingPotential to travel and support other sites and initiativesMaterials & Logistics ManagerSunderland, Tyne & WearFrom £58,000 depending on experience + benefitsJBRP1_UKTJ