Strategic Inventory & Supply Chain Leader

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. in Ipswich seeks an experienced Inventory, Planning and Supply Chain Leader to drive material scheduling, production planning and external supply chain activities.

The role combines hands-on work with leading a small team and collaborating with production, global service, and R&D functions. You will drive material pull systems, manage cycle counts with finance, and optimize stock holding to meet customer demand.

Qualifications

• Must be from manufacturing background with planning and scheduling experience.
• Knowledge and experience of using ERP systems.
• Must be computer literate with SME level of Excel skills.
• Exhibit & encourage sense of urgency.
• Must be able to make decisions quickly and take risks.
• Must be able proactively to contribute to the team.
• Able to multi-task, working well under pressure.
• Proactive at looking for continuous improvement opportunities.
• Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently to agreed targets and processes.

Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule materials to meet customer demand and production needs.
• Lead the scheduling and release of Work Orders for make items, delegating where appropriate.
• Maintain inventory while ensuring material availability for production, service, and lifecycle management; monitor costs and optimize stock levels.
• Drive material pull systems (Min/Max, KanBan, MRP) to meet target dates and guide buyers.
• Lead the supply chain team to ensure supplier performance supports internal processes and customer demand.
• Coordinate with Sales, Warehouse and Manufacturing to flag risks and opportunities.
• Define suppliers and procure material for NPD; work with production engineering to bring new parts into ERP.
• Manage PPV-driven cost improvements and participate in VAVE activities to mitigate cost increases.

Skills

SQL

Lean techniques

Direct materials procurement

Interpersonal skills

Excel (SME)

Education

Degree in STEM or equivalent (e.g., CIPS)

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. in Ipswich seeks an experienced Inventory, Planning and Supply Chain Leader to drive material scheduling, production planning and external supply chain activities.

The role combines hands-on work with leading a small team and collaborating with production, global service, and R&D functions. You will drive material pull systems, manage cycle counts with finance, and optimize stock holding to meet customer demand.