Materials Manager (Norwich) Full time Materials Manager (Norwich) Full time

Stadler Rail Service UK Limited; Norwich; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent rail service provider is seeking a Materials Manager based at Norwich Crown Point Depot. The role involves leading the materials handling team, ensuring safe and timely delivery of trains, and managing supplier relationships. Candidates should have a professional qualification in materials management, strong customer focus, and team leadership experience. The position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits, including a health plan and enhanced leave policies.

Benefits

Enhanced paternity policy

Cycle to work scheme

Company-paid health plan with Healthshield

Defined contribution pension scheme with matching contributions up to 10%

Death in Service Cover

Qualifications

• Candidates should demonstrate organizational values and contribute to business success.
• Proven experience in leading change and implementing improvements is essential.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the materials handling team for safe and timely delivery of trains.
• Oversee material procurement and manage supplier relationships.
• Maintain compliance with safety and quality standards in warehouse operations.

Skills

Proactive individuals

Professional qualification in materials management

Strong understanding of material supply principles

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Strong customer focus

Experience in team leadership

Education

Professional qualification in materials management, logistics, or supply chain

Tools

Stock management systems

Job description

Innovative Environment: Working in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment, you will proactively work alongside your team to ensure services are available.

Growth and Development: You will be part of a dynamic company committed to the development of our people, offering opportunities for learning and career advancement.

Passionate Team: You will manage a dedicated team working diligently to deliver and provide an essential service, collaborating with key stakeholders.

Customer-Centric Approach: You will work effectively to ensure the needs and expectations of our service users are met with the highest standards of service.

Role Overview

As Materials Manager, based at Norwich Crown Point Depot, you will lead the materials handling team to ensure safe, reliable, and timely delivery of trains, maintaining high standards in safety, environmental compliance, and presentation. This role ensures tools and materials are available at the point of use, supports continuous improvement, and upholds industry best practices. Operating independently, the manager sets priorities aligned with contractual obligations, company values, and performance targets.

The Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of material procurement, ensuring timely and cost-effective purchasing to support operational needs. This includes managing supplier relationships, handling warranty claims, and ensuring all materials—particularly safety-critical parts—meet the company's quality standards. Stock levels are maintained through just-in-time delivery strategies, with continual review of re-order points to prevent shortages and support efficient inventory turnover.

Warehouse and stores operations fall under the Materials Manager's remit, with a focus on compliance, safety, and best practice. Responsibilities include managing waste disposal in line with regulations, ensuring tools and equipment are repaired, replaced, or recalibrated promptly, and maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient working environment. The role also involves leading the development and implementation of accessible, user-friendly warehouse and stock management systems that meet relevant standards as in agreement with the Senior Material Manager.

A key part of the role is maintaining robust systems and procedures that support operational performance and compliance. The Materials Manager produces regular reports—weekly, monthly, and quarterly—on contract-specific performance targets, and contributes to the development of safety and quality systems. They support risk identification and mitigation through the annual completion of the risk register and ensure all activities align with legal, legislative, and company obligations.

The Materials Manager ensures supplier performance meets required specifications and resolves issues related to overdue or non-stocked parts, maintaining continuity of supply and operational readiness. They are accountable for managing the depot's materials and stores, monitoring performance against targets, driving productivity and efficiency, and supporting long-term fleet material strategies. Collaboration with production and performance teams ensures accurate forecasting and alignment with operational goals.

As a line manager, the Materials Manager leads the stores team, overseeing performance, attendance, and development in line with company procedures. They promote effective communication and cooperation across departments, ensuring materials are delivered as required and supporting production needs. The role also includes conducting competency assessments, quality inspections, and engaging with stakeholders to maintain high standards.

Safety and values are central to the role. The Materials Manager fosters a zero-harm culture, prioritizing people and product safety. They demonstrate values-based behavior and contribute to a positive, compliant, and performance-driven working environment. While this overview outlines core responsibilities, the role also includes any other reasonable duties required to support the business.

What We're Looking For

• Proactive individuals who align with our company KPIs and values.
• Professional qualification (or working towards) in materials management, logistics, or supply chain.
• Strong understanding of material supply principles and warehouse/stock management strategies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and stock management systems.
• Demonstrates organizational values, builds trust, and contributes to business success.
• Proven experience in leading change and implementing improvements.
• Strong customer focus with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels.
• Skilled in managing challenging situations and fostering a culture of trust.
• Experience in team leadership with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Broad business knowledge and operational experience.

Desirable Skills

• Basic awareness of rolling stock maintenance and material usage.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations relevant to rail and depot environments.
• Experience in project management and continuous improvement.
• Previous supervisory or management experience, ideally within a collaborative leadership team.

Company & Benefits

SRSUK is a proud subsidiary of Stadler Rail AG Switzerland. We take pride in delivering high-class services for our modern trains across the UK. Our presence in passenger rail, combined with expanding freight rail expertise, positions us as a leading service provider in the UK rail industry. We are dedicated to growth and innovation in line with our business strategy.

• Enhanced paternity policy
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company-paid health plan with Healthshield

Job Specific Benefits

• Salary range of £46,000 to £52,000
• Location: Norwich Crown Point Depot
• 37-hour workweek
• 33 days annual leave including Bank Holidays
• Defined contribution pension scheme with Scottish Widows, with matching contributions up to 10%
• Death in Service Cover