Group M, P & L Manager jobs
Materials, planning and logistics (M, P & L) management involves visualising entire supply chain and logistics operations as a whole and using this oversight to determine the direction of the various elements of the process. The ultimate aim of the M, P & L manager will be to maintain customer satisfaction and seek out efficiencies in the way the operation is run.
Supply chains are run by dedicated teams, each with their own specific areas, such as transport, warehousing and procurement. Left to their own devices they might run efficiently enough, but there could be issues regarding their interrelation and interactivity that generate inefficiencies. An example would be timing, where a component is processed more quickly than is required, which can actually cost money in terms of storage while it waits for the next step to be ready. It might be more efficient to slow this part of the process down and eliminate warehousing altogether.
By viewing the process as a self-sufficient organism, the M, P and L manager will be able to benefit from the zoomed-out view. The staff working within the links of the chain will not benefit from this view, but with good management they can all be brought into line for the benefit of the whole process.
The skills required
The most important personal characteristic will be a good business mind. Influencing the supply chain will, in effect, be the same as running a business, even though it will be part of a larger whole. That means that all the skills expected of the successful businessperson will need to be present in the group M, P & L manager, namely people management, an ability to analyse and understand often complex data, excellent communication skills and an instinct for organisation and micromanagement that will keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.
Ideally, the bulk of the communication will be with the customers and the elements of the chain, rather than the senior management of the company. The M, P and L manager will be expected to run his or her own office to the overall direction of the head office but with minimal contact. A strong an trustworthy personality will therefore be required.
Group M P and L Manager Jobs in Lowestoft
On the north-eastern tip of Suffolk, 7 miles (11 km) south of Great Yarmouth and 21 miles (33 km) south east of Norwich, is the port town of Lowestoft. The town has a long history as a fishing and freight port town, and some of the earliest evidence of settlement in the UK has been found here. Unfortunately, the town's location and its harbouring of vessels and materials for the war efforts meant that it was bombed and shelled during both world wars, as was the case with many towns on the east coast.
Lowestoft got its railway link in the 19th century and this helped the town to boom as its trawlers' catches could be taken away to the cities quickly. The railway also stimulated other industry to set up there, as it made imports and exports simple by land and sea. Until the 1990s there were several multinational companies in the town, but they have largely gone now, and tourism plays a vital role – Lowestoft does have very attractive sandy beaches. Another well known industry was Lowestoft porcelain, which was among the finest in the world in its day.
It is not uncommon for Group M P and L Manager jobs to become available in Lowestoft and the surrounding area as the docks are still active, even if they are not at the same level as they were fifty years ago. There is still a major Birds Eye factory in the town, and the headquarters of Hoseasons Holidays is located there. Much employment comes from the oil and gas industries, too, and recently Lowestoft has become a key site for the manufacture of renewable energy equipment, from solar panels to offshore wind turbines. There is a population of around 65,000 and several ,moderately populated towns along the coast, which can all add up to a reasonably active logistics and supply chain sector.
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Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
Cast UK is a growing force in the UK recruitment industry, mainly because logistics, procurement and supply chain are the only sectors we deal with. That means that many employers often come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
Applicants approach Cast UK for many reasons, whether seeking more job fulfilment or simply relocating for personal reasons, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide. Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the ideal position for you.
Cast UK’s founder members and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Group M, P & L Manager for your business or find you a job as a Group M, P & L Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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