Materials Planning & Logistics Manager in Southampton, Hampshire

Vectis is recruiting on behalf of a global manufacturer of industrial parts a Materials Planning & Logistics Manager for its production site in Hampshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced MP&L professional to take ownership of site-level materials planning and logistics operations, ensuring the efficient flow of materials, effective production planning, reliable customer deliveries, and optimised inventory levels.

The successful candidate will lead material planning, production scheduling, warehousing, and despatch, working closely with Production, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Sales to support operational performance, customer satisfaction and business profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the site's MP&L strategy in line with business and manufacturing objectives.
• Lead material requirements planning (MRP), production planning and scheduling to ensure materials and capacity are available to meet production requirements.
• Coordinate demand forecasting, sales and operations planning (S&OP) and production capacity planning.
• Align customer demand, production schedules and supplier capabilities to ensure continuity of supply and on-time delivery.
• Work closely with Procurement to ensure the timely and cost-effective supply of raw materials, components, consumables and subcontracted services.
• Develop supplier relationships and monitor performance against agreed KPIs, resolving delivery issues, material shortages and quality concerns.
• Optimise inventory levels and working capital by reducing excess stock, obsolete inventory and unnecessary material holding costs.
• Oversee goods-in, material storage, internal material movements, warehousing and finished-goods despatch.
• Manage transport providers, logistics costs and delivery performance to ensure efficient and reliable customer service.
• Lead, develop and motivate MP&L personnel, including planners, materials controllers and warehouse teams.
• Set clear objectives, establish accountability and support employee development.
• Work collaboratively with Production, Sales, Finance, Quality, Engineering and senior management to drive operational improvements and achieve site objectives.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in an MP&L or materials planning and logistics management role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing planning, MRP, production scheduling and inventory control.
• Experience managing supplier performance, material availability, warehousing and logistics activities.
• Demonstrable experience implementing robust processes and systems to improve MP&L performance.
• Experience using ERP systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Previous experience directly managing and developing a team is essential.
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders and work cross-functionally at all levels of an organisation.