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 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is one of several industrial powerhouses that served England’s North Sea coast during the Industrial Revolution and the age of empire, along with Hull, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Grimsby. It is a town of over 140,000 population which has had to perform a degree of reinvention in the post-war period as the docks fell into disuse, but the chemical plant at nearby Wilton and the steelworks continue to be strong employers to this day.
To the west of the city is Stockton-on-Tees, which was one end of the famous Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first public railway in the world. The railway had a massive effect on Middlesbrough’s economy when it was opened in 1825. The city is still well connected, with good road and rail links and Teesside Airport serving domestic and short-haul needs. With this rich mix of industries and a large population to cater for, Head of Materials vacancies often emerge in Middlesbrough.
The city has a long list of notable people who hail from its street or its nearby area. A few famous names include football legends Brian Clough and Don Revie, rugby union star Rory Underwood, conjuror Paul Daniels, comedian Bob Mortimer (of Vic and Bob fame), guitarist Chris Rea and Corrie actors Thelma “Mavis Riley” Barlow and Chris “Brian Tilsley” Quinten, to name but a few. There must be something in the water!
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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