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 Widnes
At the north-eastern edge of Cheshire lies Widnes, a town of around 60,000 population built on heavy industry, particularly chemicals, where ICI had a huge presence for decades before fragmenting in the 1990s. The chemical industry chose Widnes partly for the plentiful supply of water, just like Runcorn, to which it is joined by a railway and road bridge over the Mersey.
The centre of Liverpool is 11 miles (17 km) to the west, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 4 miles (7km) form the centre of Widnes. Although not actually in Widnes, the Jaguar Land rover car production plant is just outside the town in Halewood, and it has been a large employer of people from Widnes. For decades the plant was owned by Ford, and the locals still cal the main boulevard that passes it “The Ford Road”. Under the new management, the factory is doing extremely well, helped by a local enthusiastic workforce.
Widnes has two musical claims to fame, one certain, one apocryphal. First was the Stone Roses’ Spike Island gig, the pinnacle of the Madchester scene in 1990. The second claim is that Paul Simon wrote “Homeward Bound” at Widnes Station, although Simon isn’t 100% sure himself!
Widnes has retained many of its industrial plants, although they are no longer owned by the giant ICI, and have been taken over by a multitude of companies. The well-connected town is handy for Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and Runcorn, and has the M62 at its northern point. All this makes it a good place to locate any logistics operations, and indeed, Group M P and L Manager jobs or similar positions have been through our system in Widnes.
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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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