Stores & Materials Operative

We are seeking an organised and proactive Stores & Materials Operative to join a busy engineering and manufacturing environment, supporting a major rolling stock programme. This is a hands-on role responsible for the safe control, movement, storage and administration of materials, ensuring components are available when required to support commissioning, maintenance and modification activities.
Working closely with materials management, transport, purchasing, commissioning and operational teams, you will play a key role in maintaining inventory accuracy, coordinating material movements between multiple locations and ensuring all stock is managed efficiently in line with company procedures and health and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Materials Management

Coordinate the receipt, storage and distribution of materials across multiple site locations.
Ensure materials are available to support commissioning, maintenance and modification programmes.
Raise material requests and monitor stock levels to maintain inventory availability.
Support material planning, forecasting and inventory management activities.
Maintain accurate inventory records and stock reports.
Ensure materials are stored safely and in accordance with company procedures.

Logistics & Transport

Coordinate the movement of materials between stores, production areas and external locations.
Prepare transport requests and support incoming and outgoing deliveries.
Work closely with transport providers and internal teams to ensure timely movement of goods.
Assist with loading, unloading and physical handling of materials where required.
Ensure compliance with all logistics and transport procedures.

Inventory & Systems

Complete stock transactions using SAP and other ERP systems.
Process goods receipts, purchase requisitions, inventory movements, repair loops and stock transfers.
Produce accurate reports relating to stock levels, tooling and material availability.
Monitor inventory balances and maintain accurate master data.
Support inventory reconciliation and stock checking activities.

Supplier & Warranty Support

Liaise with suppliers regarding warranty returns and repair activities.
Coordinate material returns and shipment tracking.
Monitor quarantined materials and maintain accurate records.
Provide reports and updates to internal stakeholders on material status and warranty issues.

Team Support

Provide support across commissioning, warranty and operational teams as required.
Assist with stock checks, tooling control and waste management.
Build effective working relationships across multiple departments.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support an inclusive team culture.

Health, Safety & Quality

Comply with all health, safety, environmental and quality procedures.
Ensure safe handling and storage of materials, including COSHH-controlled products.
Promote safe working practices and contribute to a Zero Harm culture.
Ensure waste is segregated and disposed of in accordance with company procedures.
Maintain high standards of housekeeping within stores and material handling areas.

Essential Skills & Experience

Previous experience in a stores, materials, warehouse or logistics role within an engineering, manufacturing or industrial environment.
Experience using SAP or other ERP/material management systems.
Understanding of stock control, inventory management and warehouse processes.
Knowledge of COSHH regulations and the safe handling of hazardous materials.
Experience coordinating material movements and logistics.
Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
High level of accuracy when processing stock transactions and documentation.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and general IT systems.
Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Skills

Experience supporting rolling stock, rail or engineering projects.
Understanding of warranty and repair logistics.
Knowledge of project-based material planning.
Experience working with multiple storage locations.
Understanding of supply chain and procurement processes.
Previous experience in inventory control and stores management.
Experience working within a safety-critical or regulated industry.

Personal Attributes

Highly organised and methodical.
Proactive with a positive, can-do attitude.
Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills.
Reliable, flexible and dependable.
Able to work under pressure while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
Committed to maintaining excellent health and safety standards.
Customer-focused with a collaborative approach to problem solving.

What's on Offer

Long-term contract opportunity.
40-hour working week.
Opportunity to work on a major UK rolling stock programme.
Collaborative and supportive engineering environment.
Exposure to complex logistics, materials management and engineering operations.
Opportunity to develop experience with industry-leading systems and processes.
This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities of the role and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the business or project