Head of Materials jobs
In the manufacturing industry, keeping production on schedule is essential for business stability. This relies on having adequate stocks of components and raw materials.
Whether a company makes computers or children’s toys, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals or something else, the head of materials is responsible for ensuring that the stock levels are maintained and that products are sourced within budget and to the required quality standards.
Depending on the particulars of the role and the nature of the company, the head of materials will be charged with ordering supplies, tracking shipments, liaising with other departments to keep up with market trends and to continuously look for ways to drive efficiencies without compromising on customer satisfaction.
The role may also involve maintaining hygiene levels in storage areas - this is especially true of the food and beverage industry - as well as renegotiating contracts, researching new suppliers and reporting on key performance indicators.
The skills required
Those applying for a role as head of materials should be able to demonstrate good managerial skills and be confident in your ability to communicate with staff, stakeholders and customers.
Successful candidates should have good commercial awareness and always be on the lookout for ways to make improvements.
In addition, as head of materials you will need to have a degree of IT literacy and knowledge of the various computer programs and systems used in the industry. For instance, an ability to use spreadsheets and databases is a must, while familiarity with the Microsoft Office package can also be a useful skill.
Head of Materials Jobs in Hampshire
A county located on the southern coast of England, and sharing borders with Dorset, Berkshire, Wiltshire, West Sussex and Surrey, Hampshire is the largest county in the south-east and is home to a number of important settlements including Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke and Winchester. It's a good choice for those seeking Head of Materials vacancies.
People have been living in the Hampshire region for thousands of years, with Neolithic settlers building hill forts and farms in the area. The Celts, Saxons, Angles, Romans and Normans also had communities here.
The port towns of Portsmouth and Southampton have long been important points for trade with the rest of the world, particularly with America in the 17th to 19th centuries. The Titanic set sail for her ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton in 1912. Today, the city is a major port for cruise ships - it is home to the headquarters of Carnival UK - and it also processes a significant number of cargo and container ships.
Just some of the many companies based in Hampshire today include BAE Systems Surface Ships, IBM, Zurich, The Automobile Association, Motorola and Sony Professional Solutions.
Ford has an assembly plant in Hampshire, which primarily manufactures the brand's Transit models, while the region is also known for its pharmaceuticals, insurance, communications, IT and electronics sectors.
Popular locations
Find Head of Materials opportunities with Cast UK
As an expert in the logistics, procurement and supply chain sector, Cast UK is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a new role as a head of materials.
Our team of consultants have extensive experience in recruiting for these sectors, having worked in similar roles themselves.
What’s more, we work with clients and candidates in locations across the country to match the best talent to every role. To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Head of Materials for your business or find you a job as a Head of Materials then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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