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 Ipswich
Situated in the county of Suffolk, Ipswich is a lovely place, located on the River Orwell. It's a thriving community, with a stunning waterfront and many historic buildings. Plus there are a number of opportunities for those seeking Head of Materials vacancies.
As one of England's oldest towns, Ipswich has a history that dates back to the Roman Empire when a fort was built in the vicinity.
The town really began to form, however, during the Anglo-Saxon period and during the seventh and eighth centuries it was an important trading port with Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. The nearby Sutton Hoo archaeological site has been an extremely important place for those interested in studying the life and culture of ancient Britons from this period.
Ipswich was granted its first charter in 1200 and for the next four hundred years, it carried on as a market town and trading hub. During the 1600s it was also a common port for those boarding ships and sailing to the New World.
During the Industrial Revolution and well into the 20th century, Ipswich was known for agricultural manufacturing, with enterprises ranging from sugar beet processing through to motorised lawnmower production.
Today, many of the industrial buildings have been converted to offices and flats, although the port still sees millions of tonnes of cargo pass through every year.
Much of the local economy is now based in the service sector and IT. Adastral Park is a massive business park, home to BT's global innovation and development centre, while other tech companies with offices in the area include Fujitsu, Ericsson, Cisco, O2 and Nokia Siemens.
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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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