Materials Operations Manager.

Materials Operations Manager

Location: North Devon

A leading aerospace manufacturing organisation is seeking a Materials Operations Manager to lead internal materials, logistics, inventory, and production scheduling activities across a complex manufacturing facility.

Operating within a highly regulated engineering environment, this role is responsible for ensuring effective material flow throughout the site and driving adherence to the Master Production Schedule. The successful candidate will lead a team responsible for inventory management, logistics, production scheduling, warehousing, and materials control while supporting operational performance, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead short-term production scheduling activities in line with business demand and operational priorities.

• Manage inventory accuracy through robust cycle counting and stock control processes.

• Oversee the movement, storage, distribution, and transportation of materials across the facility.

• Manage site logistics operations, including shipping and receiving activities.

• Ensure effective material flow to support manufacturing operations through lean principles.

• Monitor and drive execution of production schedules, escalating material shortages and supply risks where required.

• Support forecast attainment and delivery performance objectives.

• Maintain inventory targets and on-time delivery performance for internal and external customers.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using tools such as value stream mapping, visual management, standard work, and operational assessments.

• Ensure data integrity across inventory, scheduling, materials, shipping, and receiving processes.

• Act as a key point of contact for operational escalations relating to production plan execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

• Minimum 5 years' experience within Materials, Operations, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain Management.

• Minimum 3 years' experience leading and developing teams.

• Experience supporting S&OP/SIOP processes and inventory management activities.

• Strong understanding of forecasting, MRP, production scheduling, and bill of materials structures.

• Experience using ERP/MRP systems within a manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of end-to-end manufacturing processes from raw materials through to finished goods.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Proven ability to drive performance, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class aerospace manufacturer supplying critical components to major global aviation and defence programmes.