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 Newport
Although Newport can trace its history back to at least medieval times, when its castle was built, it was the Industrial Revolution that turned the town into what it is now, a city of over 140,000 people. Its location on the south of Wales, adjacent to the Severn Estuary opposite Bristol, made it an ideal place for a port to transport the vast amounts of coal, as well as iron, that were being mined from South Wales. For a time, the town had a larger population than Cardiff.
Although the docks are not as busy as they used to be, the town has remained active, with a diverse range of manufacturing, service industry and governmental offices being based there. It is home to Sims Metal Management’s huge scrap recycling plant, which boasts the world’s largest car crusher and links by road, water and rail. The UK’s HQ of the Office for National Statistics and the IPO (patents office) are based there, as well as the Welsh HQs of the Charity Commission and the British Red Cross.
Panasonic and International Rectifier have large factories in Newport, and EADS’s security division, Cassadian, is also located there. With such a diverse range of industries and great communications, Head of Materials vacancies are quite common in Newport.
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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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