Manufacturing Controller

European Foundation for Business Qualification (EFBQ); England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense solutions provider is seeking a skilled Manufacturing Controller Stores to support operations at their facility in Henlow, UK. This pivotal role involves managing work packages within a high-tech manufacturing environment, requiring experience in stores management and production operations. The ideal candidate should have a valid forklift license and solid attention to detail. Successful applicants must undergo security checks and are expected to work flexibly in a structured setting.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Stable employment in defense engineering

Qualifications

• Proven experience in manufacturing control and stores operations.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and adapt to varying shift patterns.
• Trained in manual handling and Electrostatic Discharge procedures.
• Certified in lifting and slinging operations.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Apply manufacturing control processes and demonstrate proficiency with ERP systems.
• Manage inventory operations within a structured stores environment.
• Oversee stock control and storekeeping.
• Load manufacturing cells with scheduled jobs.
• Support packing operations using hand tools.

Skills

Manufacturing control experience

Attention to detail

Operational efficiency

Health & Safety compliance

Forklift licence

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our client, a trusted collaborator with the UK Ministry of Defence, is seeking a skilled and committed Manufacturing Controller Stores to support operations at their advanced facility in Henlow. This pivotal role involves managing the loading, control, and monitoring of work packages within a high‑tech manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in stores management, production lineside operations, or manufacturing control, with a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, attention to detail, and Health & Safety compliance. A valid forklift licence is essential for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply manufacturing control processes and demonstrate proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Manage inventory operations, including issuing, receiving, and maintaining stock within a structured stores environment.
• Oversee stock control and storekeeping, ensuring compliance and monitoring of critical shelf‑life items.
• Load manufacturing cells with scheduled jobs, aligning with lead times, cycle times, and delivery targets.
• Support packing operations using hand tools and manage tooling for issue and return.
• Execute kitting activities by assembling and preparing components for efficient production.
• Safely load and unload goods vehicles, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth material flow.

What do you need?

• Proven experience in manufacturing control and stores operations within a steady‑paced production environment.
• Flexible and reliable, with the ability to follow detailed instructions and adapt to varying shift patterns.
• Strong attention to detail and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Trained in manual handling and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) procedures to ensure safe and compliant material handling.
• Certified in lifting and slinging operations, including the use of overhead cranes for safe movement of heavy components.

Desirable Skills

• Demonstrated experience in line‑side stores and manufacturing control environments (note: general warehousing experience not applicable).
• Proficient in PC‑based tasks, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for inventory tracking and reporting.
• Holds a valid Forklift Truck (FLT) licence and up‑to‑date medical clearance for operating material handling equipment.
• Familiar with lean manufacturing principles, including Kanban and two‑bin systems for efficient stock replenishment.
• Experienced in using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP for inventory management and production support.

Security Clearance

British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by our clients Security Team.

What happens now?

Upon submission of your application, should it meet our selection criteria, you will be contacted via e‑mail by one of our talent acquisition specialists to arrange a screening call. This telephone chat is structured to explore a series of questions aimed at matching your competencies and capabilities to the specific demands of the position. Please note, this screening is contingent upon the initial success of your application.

More About The Role

For more than 70 years, our client has been in a strong partnership with the UK military. They have accomplished numerous milestones in defence engineering and have provided essential defence capabilities to meet the requirements of the armed forces across land, sea, and air.

This role is based near our client's headquarters in Stevenage, a key site for missile operations with excellent transportation links. Employees receive comprehensive training and development opportunities.