Materials Manager, Genesee & Wyoming

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An Opportunity to Drive Excellence in Rail Freight Logistics: Materials Manager Review

Freightliner, the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator and a leading UK Heavy Haul rail freight provider, presents a compelling opportunity for an experienced Materials Manager. With operations spanning the UK and Europe, Freightliner is at the forefront of seamlessly connecting global supply chains. Recently recognized as Rail Freight Company of the Year at the 2024 Multimodal Awards and proudly endorsed by WORK180 for women, Freightliner fosters a diverse and supportive work culture, highlighting a commitment to employee well-being and career development.

This senior position, based at one of three strategic maintenance depots – Crewe, Ipswich, or Southampton – offers a chance to lead and advance the materials division. The successful candidate will oversee the critical function of delivering loco and wagon materials across multiple sites, managing over 1000 product lines. This is a role that demands both strategic oversight and hands-on management, making it ideal for a self-starter with a dynamic and engaging personality.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Career Growth in a Leading Industry: Join an award-winning company at the forefront of rail freight logistics. Freightliner offers considerable career progression and the chance to develop within a robust and expanding sector.
• Impactful Leadership Role: As a senior member of the engineering team, you will have direct responsibility for a critical operational function, managing a substantial portfolio of materials and influencing safety practices across multiple sites.
• Commitment to Safety and Continuous Improvement: Freightliner prioritizes safe working practices. This role offers the opportunity to be a safety influencer, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and standardize processes, directly contributing to operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Supportive and Collaborative Culture: The testimonial from the previous incumbent highlights a team characterized by leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to achieving business objectives. Freightliner's WORK180 endorsement further underscores their dedication to a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Attractive Benefits Package: Beyond competitive remuneration for this complex role, Freightliner offers a fantastic final-salary pension scheme, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, life assurance, and a range of benefits designed to support work-life balance and provide cost savings.
• Strategic Locations: The flexibility to be based in Crewe, Ipswich, or Southampton provides geographical choice for candidates.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Depth of Experience Required: The role necessitates a strong foundation in supply chain and inventory management systems, with proven experience in forecasting, procurement tools, and developing business KPIs. Experience in similar roles such as Materials Controller, Logistics Controller, Buyer, or Materials Management is essential.
• Safety-Centric Approach: A fundamental requirement is a commitment to developing and promoting safe working practices. This will be a core aspect of your responsibilities as a safety influencer.
• Stakeholder Management: You will be expected to build and maintain strong relationships with both internal customers and external suppliers to optimize stock levels and operational efficiency.
• Problem-Solving and Strategic Thinking: The ability to resolve material shortages, backlogs, and proactively identify strategic solutions to improve material flow across multiple levels is crucial for success in this dynamic environment.
• Adaptability and Travel: While hybrid working options may be available for eligible roles, this position does require a certain amount of travel, so flexibility in this regard is important.

This Materials Manager role at Freightliner is more than just a job; it's an invitation to contribute significantly to a vital sector, to lead and inspire a team, and to grow within an organization that values its people and their development. If you possess the required expertise, a proactive mindset, and a passion for operational excellence, this could be the ideal next step in your career journey.