Job Title: Strategic Materials Controller
Location: Gainsborough
Role Purpose
The Strategic Materials Controller plays a critical cross-functional role in optimising material (film) management across UK operations. Reporting to the Senior Purchasing Manager, the role integrates Purchasing, Operations, Technical, Sales and Commercial functions to improve communication, eliminate inefficiencies, reduce aged stock and waste, and maximise financial performance.
The role is responsible for analysing demand patterns, customer requirements, product mix, supplier lead times and service level expectations in order to accurately predict future film demand and balance this with supply. The Strategic Materials Controller acts as the subject matter expert for material optimisation and drives consistency of process across sites.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Materials & Film Management
Lead collaboration with Operations, Technical, Sales, Commercial and Procurement to deliver an effective film management strategy.
Implement strategic materials management processes and develop fit-for-purpose film management procedures.
Manage and continuously improve the stock and forecasting process across the UK business.
Introduce and maintain appropriate safety stock levels to meet customer requirements without holding excessive inventory.
Drive the reduction of aged and obsolete stock.
Monitor, report and improve material availability across all sites.
Contribute to sustainable film procurement practices.
Forecasting, Analysis & SIOP
Analyse film stock data, including historical trends, to identify improvement opportunities and cost-saving initiatives.
Analyse forecast demand versus actual demand, identifying trends, changes and root causes.
Support and contribute to the Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) process.
Collaborate with Sales and the Senior Purchasing Manager to report and analyse up-to-date sales intelligence.
Assist in resolving supply-demand imbalances and propose purchase orders for raw material film.
Continuous Improvement & Communication
Encourage best practice and a culture of continuous improvement across materials management processes.
Drive collaboration and effective communication between departments.
Promote the sharing of knowledge, experience and lessons learned across functions.
Maintain high standards of proactive communication regarding matters of significance.
General
Undertake additional duties within capability as required by the needs of the business or as directed by the line manager.
Relationship Management
Build strong cross-functional relationships to enhance collaboration.
Promote departmental engagement and shared accountability.
Foster an open, transparent and cooperative working environment.
Qualifications & Experience
Experience in Supply Chain, Procurement or related supply chain management roles.
Knowledge and experience of ERP systems.
Proven ability to prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders at all levels.
Full, current driving licence.
Core Skills & Attributes
Strategic and tactical thinker.
Excellent project management capability.
Strong organisational and communication skills at all levels.
Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
High attention to detail with accuracy and thoroughness.
Strong prioritisation and workload management skills.
Calm, organised and effective under pressure.
Proactive, positive and enthusiastic with a "can-do" attitude.