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 Lincolnshire
Located in the east of England, Lincolnshire shares borders with a number of counties, including Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire and South Yorkshire.
The major settlements in the region include Lincoln, Boston, Grantham, Spalding and Gainsborough, and these are all great locations for those seeking Head of Materials vacancies.
Predominantly an agricultural area, Lincolnshire has long been a source of produce including wheat and barley, as well as sugar beet, cabbage, onions and cauliflower.
For the most part, the current economy is based on the service sector. A number of tech and engineering companies have head offices or other facilities here, including Dynex Semiconductor, e2V Technologies and Bifrangi UK.
Brake Bros Ltd, a distribution company that provides food and drink to the catering industry, has a depot near Grantham. Bell & Webster manufactures precast concrete, Vale Garden Houses produces conservatories and agricultural equipment is made by RC Setchfield.
For many years, the docks in Grimsby have been connected to the fishing industry and today the region is known for food production - particularly frozen fish - with more than 500 companies based here. These include the Findus Group, which operates Young's Seafood, as well as Coldwater Seafood and Five Star Fish.
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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