M, P and L Manager jobs
Materials, planning and logistics (MP&L) is the blanket name for the activities that make up the supply chain, and is often thought of as the “big picture” approach as opposed to focusing in on specific elements of the chain. The idea is that efficiency will be achieved because it is often the interactions between the supplied parties that causes snarl-ups. Having materials delivered too early or in too great a quantity, for example, can cause stockpiling problems; even though it is probably more efficient to deliver in greater bulk, any cost benefits can be lost in the storage surplus.
The M, P and L manager will be in charge of a supply chain team whose job will be to keep the whole process running smoothly, anticipate and act on potential problems, achieve ever greater efficiency and ultimately keep the customers happy.
As manager, you will be assigning team members to certain jobs which will largely be centred on gathering performance data and being the company’s points of contact for their relevant accounts. While their information will be focused, you as manager will be in charge of the big picture, working out ways of making the system better, alongside analysts and other managers.
The skills required
As with any management post, being able to deal with people will be a key skill. Being receptive to suggestions as well as taking instructions from above will help keep the office running smoothly and harmoniously. However, knowing when to apply your authority and expertise to a given situation will help maintain the unified objectives of the supply chain in place.
There will be a good deal of data gathering, analysis and manipulation in the role. A good head for mathematics will stand you in good stead, but perhaps more importantly, a strong aptitude for IT applications will be required, as that will be the usual way of handling data and making forecasts. Although existing IT experience will be useful, you may find that the new employer uses its own bespoke system, in which case an ability to pick up software solutions quickly will be helpful.
M P and L Manager Jobs in Northampton
Situated in the East Midlands on the banks of the River Nene, Northampton is a market town with a history dating back to the 6th century. By the end of the 11th century, the community had grown significantly and the Domesday Book records it as having a population of around 1,500 inhabitants.
During the 19th century, the city experienced further expansion thanks to the construction of the Grand Union Canal, which connected London and Birmingham with each other, as well as cities like Leicester, Slough and Northampton. Railways also arrived at the city around this time, further simplifying trade with the rest of the country.
Northampton was best known for producing shoes and other leather goods during the 1800s and a few companies that were established during this period still provide specialist, high-end items today - including Edward Green Shoes, Trickers, Church's and Crockett & Jones.
Over the years, most of the other footwear factories have been converted to offices or residential buildings and, although the shoe industry has declined, a number of other sectors have taken its place, including distribution, finance and manufacturing. So those seeking M P and L Manager roles in the area will have an array of employers to consider.
Just some of the well-known companies that have offices, factories or headquarters in Northampton include Coca Cola, Schweppes, Carlsberg, Texas Instruments, Avon Products, Blacks Leisure Group and Panasonic.
Meanwhile, Nationwide Building Society, Barclay Card, the University of Northampton and St Andrew's Healthcare are all major employers.
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Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
Applicants approach Cast UK for many reasons. They might be seeking more job fulfilment, they could have been made redundant or they might simply be relocating for family reasons, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide. Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the ideal position for you.
Cast UK’s founder members and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. Cast UK is a growing force in the UK recruitment industry, mainly because these are the only sectors we deal with. That means that many employers often come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a M, P & L Manager for your business or find you a job as a M, P & L Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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