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 Stevenage
Located about 28 miles (45 km) directly north of the centre of London, Stevenage was one of the new towns that were planned after the Second World War to provide new lives for those whose homes and livelihoods had been shattered in the Blitz. As with other towns such as Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead and Crawley, it was built on an existing village, although the infrastructure had to be upgraded. Stevenage boasted a pedestrianised town centre, the first purpose-built one in the UK, although ironically it was cars that would go on to put Stevenage on the map …
The town is well connected, with the A1(M) skirting its west side and the East Coast Mainline having a stop in the town. Luton airport is just to its west and Stansted is 16 miles (27 km) to the east. There’s a good deal of light industry in Stevenage, mainly concentrated in two industrial estates in its north-east and south-west corners, and these employ a good deal of its population.
The town has produced a number of top-ranking sportspeople in its recent history. Aston Villa, Manchester United and England winger Ashley Young was born there, and golfer Ian Poulter was born just outside the town in the neighbouring town of Hitchen. But in pole position is Lewis Hamilton, the local boy who started his career racing remote controlled cars before rising through the ranks and becoming Formula One world champion in 2008 for McLaren.
As with most of the purpose-built new towns, whose infrastructure was designed in the motoring age, Stevenage has attracted a healthy cross section of industries. With all the raw materials and finished products to move around, and a local population of around 90,000 to serve, Head of Materials positions are not unusual in the town.
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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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