Materials Manager

Ford & Stanley Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Materials Manager at Ford & Stanley Recruitment in Manchester. This pivotal role involves leading the setup of a new materials function for a rail overhaul project, ensuring timely material availability and supporting a high-performing team. With significant responsibilities, this position offers excellent potential for professional development and travel opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in materials or supply chain management.
• Familiarity with inventory planning tools.
• Desirable: Ability to interpret technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the setup of a new stores facility.
• Manage inventory and asset tracking systems.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Data analysis

Education

Level 3 qualification in Supply Chain or Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Materials Manager Manchester (M40) up to GBP50,000 Permanent

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Materials Manager to join a major new rail overhaul project in the Manchester area. This is a high-impact role where you will lead the setup and management of a brand-new materials function from the ground up. You ll work closely with Engineering, Production, and the wider supply chain to ensure the timely availability of materials and services, supporting the overhaul of key rail assets such as bogies, wheelsets, gearboxes, and traction motors.

This is a rare chance to shape a materials operation from scratch within a growing, multi-national organisation. The role offers excellent development potential, including opportunities for national and international travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the setup of a new stores facility, including layout, equipment, and procedures.
• Manage inventory, asset tracking, and ERP systems to ensure accurate data and efficient stock control.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Production to align materials availability with overhaul schedules.
• Build and lead a high-performing Materials team, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and performance standards.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to secure materials and services, manage warranties, and monitor supplier performance.
• Analyse stock movements and consumption patterns to optimise inventory levels.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to cross-functional collaboration.

The Candidate

• Holds a Level 3 qualification (or higher) in Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in materials or supply chain management within a manufacturing, engineering, or rail environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and inventory planning tools.
• Strong leadership, planning, and organisational skills.
• Desirable: Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Location

Manchester, M40

Salary

Up to GBP50,000 depending on experience and qualifications

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

1. Ford & Stanley TalentWise Business specialising in blue collar trade & technical services permanent and temporary.
2. Ford & Stanley Recruitment Business specialising in white collar spanning all company functions with specialist verticals within Digital, Rail Engineering, Civils & Infrastructure, General Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Logistics both permanent and contract.
3. Ford & Stanley Executive Search Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions in the UK, North America, Middle East and Europe.
4. Ford & Stanley Genius Performance Performance is always accelerated when good people are coached, inspired, trained and focused in the right way.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.