Material Planning & Logistics Manager

ZipRecruiter; Burnley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics provider in the UK is seeking a Material Planning & Logistics Manager. This role involves leading a high-performing logistics team and ensuring seamless material flow and on-time delivery. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, at least 5 years of related experience, and proven leadership capabilities. If you're looking to advance your career in a dynamic environment, this position is ideal.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in logistics or related fields with supervisory experience.
• Proven leadership in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Deep understanding of materials planning and production scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Lead logistics, materials management, and production planning.
• Ensure safety standards in logistics operations.
• Track and improve KPIs for inventory and delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Logistics Management

Communication

Lean Manufacturing

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Overview

Job Description

Are you ready to take the reins of a fast-paced, high-impact logistics operation? As the Material Planning & Logistics Manager, you'll be at the heart of my client's production ecosystem - leading a talented team across planning, procurement, inventory, and shipping to ensure seamless material flow and on-time delivery. This is a hands-on leadership role where your decisions shape performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead with Vision: Champion site-wide logistics, materials management, and production planning strategies that drive results.
• Safety First: Ensure rigorous safety standards in all logistics operations involving powered industrial trucks and manual handling equipment.
• Optimise Logistics: Resolve carrier-related challenges and enhance transportation management systems.
• Innovate Material Handling: Spearhead improvements in material flow and handling processes.
• Lean into Excellence: Apply Lean methodologies to streamline operations and boost efficiency across the value chain.
• Collaborate for Impact: Partner with Sales, Inventory, Operations, and Planning to reduce inventory and optimise production schedules.
• Strategic Planning: Level-load production planning to balance inventory and demand.
• Standardise Success: Develop and maintain PFEP, replenishment, and material flow strategies.
• Own the Metrics: Track and improve KPIs including inventory turns, material variance, and on-time delivery.
• Empower Your Team: Hire, train, and mentor a high-performing team. Conduct performance reviews and foster continuous growth.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure non-conforming materials are managed effectively and corrective actions are initiated.
• Project Leadership: Deliver logistics and planning projects on time and within budget, while meeting customer and supplier expectations.

Team Leadership

You'll manage supervisors and teams across material planning, receiving, inventory, and shipping - driving performance, engagement, and operational excellence.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years in logistics or related field, with 3+ years in a supervisory role.
• Proven leadership in manufacturing or industrial distribution environments.
• Strong communicator across all levels of the organisation.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and ERP systems (SAP).
• Customer and supplier-focused mindset with strong coordination skills.
• Resilient, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Skilled in mentoring, coaching, and team development.
• Deep understanding of raw materials planning and production scheduling.

Why This Role Matters

This isn't just a logistics role - it's a strategic leadership opportunity to shape how materials move, how teams perform, and how customers experience our products. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and love turning complexity into clarity, this is your next big move.