Materials, Logistics & Planning Manager

The Opportunity – Materials, Logistics & Planning Manager

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About the role:

As a Materials, Logistics & Planning Manager at JCB Power Systems, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the efficient flow of materials and products across the supply chain. This position is responsible for leading end-to-end planning, inventory management, and logistics operations to support production while driving cost efficiency and service excellence. 

You’ll work cross-functionally with procurement, manufacturing, suppliers, and distribution teams to ensure the right materials are available at the right time, enabling smooth and uninterrupted operations. 

What does this role involve day to day?

Materials & inventory management 

• Oversee the planning and control of materials to support production schedules 
• Ensure optimal inventory levels, balancing availability with working capital targets 
• Monitor stock accuracy, obsolescence, and slow-moving items, driving continuous improvement 

Production planning & scheduling 

• Lead the creation and execution of production and materials plans aligned to business demand 
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure plans are achievable and efficient 
• Manage MRP systems to ensure accurate demand signals and supply alignment 

Logistics & distribution 

• Manage inbound and outbound logistics operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery 
• Work with third-party logistics providers and internal teams to optimise transportation and warehousing 
• Drive improvements in logistics performance, including lead times and delivery reliability 

Supplier & stakeholder coordination 

• Work closely with suppliers to ensure material availability and resolve supply challenges 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, production, and engineering teams 
• Act as a key interface for supply chain-related issues and performance improvements 

Performance & continuous improvement 

• Track and report on key KPIs such as inventory turns, on-time delivery, and planning accuracy 
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency 
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain 

Team leadership 

• Lead, coach, and develop a team across planning, materials, and logistics functions 
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and improvement 

This will be suited to you if...

• You have proven experience in materials planning, logistics, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment 
• You have strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain planning principles 
• You are confident managing inventory, production planning, and logistics operations 

You’ll stand out if you also have: 

• Experience within automotive, off-highway, or engineering-led manufacturing environments 
• A track record of driving continuous improvement and operational efficiencies 
• Understanding of lean principles and supply chain optimisation 

In terms of how you work, you: 

• Are highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities 
• Communicate effectively and build strong relationships across teams and suppliers 
• Take a proactive, data-driven approach to problem solving and decision making 
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment and are focused on delivering results 
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop others 

What happens next?

Ordinarily, our Resourcing Team reviews and shortlists CVs. If shortlisted, you’ll speak to one of our Recruiters to discuss the role further. Our interview process usually consists of an initial team’s interview followed by an in-person interview. We’ll keep in touch throughout the process but if you have any questions, please get in touch at recruitment@jcb.com 

What’s in it for you?

This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in-house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.

We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email recruitment@jcb.com, and a member of the team will be in touch.

Recruitment Agencies: JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.