Materials Manager

Edwards Vacuum, LLC; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of vacuum solutions is seeking a Materials Manager to lead and develop the Procurement, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams in Bristol, United Kingdom. This key role involves defining materials management strategies, managing significant supplier spend, and ensuring effective material flow to support production schedules. Applicants must have proven experience in materials management and strong negotiation skills. The role offers a collaborative working environment and comprehensive benefits including lifelong learning opportunities.

Benefits

Culture of trust and accountability

Lifelong learning and career growth

Innovation powered by people

Comprehensive compensation and benefits

Health and well-being

Qualifications

• Proven experience in materials management, supply chain, or procurement leadership.
• Strong knowledge of inventory control and procurement best practices.
• Ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Procurement, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams.
• Define and own Materials Management Strategy.
• Develop long-term sourcing strategies.
• Act as escalation point for material availability.
• Manage £70m+ annual supplier spend and £35m+ inventory.

Skills

Materials management

Supply chain principles

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Job description

Overview

As a Materials Manager, your mission is to lead and develop the Procurement, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams to ensure the efficient and cost-effective flow of materials through the business. This role is critical to supporting production schedules, meeting customer delivery commitments, and driving continuous improvement. You will report to the General Manager.

Responsibilities

• Be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to overall business strategy and decision-making.
• Define and own the Materials Management Strategy, ensuring alignment with company growth objectives, operational excellence, and customer commitments.
• Develop and execute long-term sourcing strategies to secure supply, optimise cost, and mitigate risk in a volatile global market.
• Build strategic partnerships with suppliers to ensure innovation, sustainability, and performance excellence.
• Lead end-to-end material flow planning, ensuring robust capacity and inventory strategies to support production and customer delivery targets.
• Act as the escalation point for material availability, proactively managing risks and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Set the strategic direction for warehouse operations, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Define and monitor strategic KPIs for procurement, inventory, and logistics, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Present performance insights and strategic recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team and global stakeholders.
• Manage a £70m+ annual supplier spend and £35m+ inventory holding, ensuring optimal working capital utilisation.
• Drive cost optimisation initiatives without compromising quality, delivery, or strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in materials management, supply chain, or procurement leadership within a manufacturing environment. (Essential)
• Strong knowledge of supply chain principles, inventory control, and procurement best practices. (Essential)
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills. (Essential)
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. (Essential)
• Ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams. (Essential)
• Experience in complex, made to order style manufacturing industries. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. (Desirable)
• Familiarity with international trade regulations and logistics. (Desirable)
• Familiarity with ISO standards and regulatory compliance. (Desirable)

Benefits

• Culture of trust and accountability
• Lifelong learning and career growth
• Innovation powered by people
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits
• Health and well-being

Job Location

Option 1: On-Site – This role requires you to work on-site at our office in Bristol, United Kingdom (GB). You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face-to-face collaboration.

Contact Information

Talent Acquisition Team: Luke Aldom

About Edwards

Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value-added services. Edwards solutions are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells. They are also used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications; steel and other metallurgy; pharmaceutical and chemical; and for scientific instruments in a wide range of R&D applications.

Edwards has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America.