Job Title: Upstream Team Leader Location: Leeds, UK To ensure that strategic material planning processes are in place to enable operational and production continuity. Takes a coordinating lead, working closely with internal and external suppliers to ensure supply of materials is in place to satisfy production requirements. Able to deliver efficient and effective solutions to satisfy production. Oversee upstream flows with the suppliers to constantly improve the outcome and to provide proactive, constructive and customer focussed service. To ensure that all agreed targets and deadlines are met while maintaining high standards of materials management. Key responsibilities: -Contribute to the creation and implementation of best practices vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve operational performance -Ensure that material scheduling strategy and processes are in place and work effectively in order to ensure material supply meets production requirements with minimum stock levels, whilst optimising costs -Ensure that professional and consistent materials planning processes are applied across the business -Ensure that any Material Requirements Planning system (MRP) is effective and that data is accurate and up to date and resolve any issues as required. -Control and inventory accuracy at all times and manage and control inventory levels and movements. -Take ownership of material planning issues that arise, including over or under delivery and take any follow up actions especially in the event of material shortages that affect production. -Assess volume requirements against planning assumptions. -Manage inventory risk and ensure that contingency plans are in place. -Seek and recommend solutions to overcome issues arising in order to meet production requirements and address operational risks. Design, develop and implement flexible solutions to aid business efficiency, drive process improvements and add value. -Take overall responsibility for obsolete parts process and ensure business is left with minimum liability and minimal waste -Support continuous improvement initiatives -Ensure strategic and operational information, reports and metrics are available to share with others in the business as and when required -Report on achievement of targets and identify any corrective actions. -Support in setting departmental objectives/KPIs and review and assess ongoing performance. -Inputs and responsibility for Material Planning budgets -Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to forecast, plan and facilitate on-time materials to the production line as and when required avoiding disruption to production. -Take lead on internal and external relationships to ensure consistent, timely and effective communication regarding material availability. Work with cross functional teams to deliver effective solutions. Liaise with stakeholders on product change requests and review and communicate the impact on material planning and schedules. -Support new business initiatives and projects and contribute to review meetings and change process. Ensure effective material planning implementation takes place relating to the changes. Develop and maintain good relationships with suppliers and ensure demand for materials is met and deliveries made on time. -Design, develop and implement processes and work with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives. -----Contribute to the assessment and sourcing of suppliers in conjunction with members of the purchasing team --Contribute to supplier meetings and negotiations to ensure demand for materials is met. -Resolve supplier concerns and evaluate supplier performance in conjunction with members of the purchasing team -Work closely with the purchasing team to ensure purchasing strategies are maximised Skills and Attributes : -Significant experience of working in a material planning role and managing the smooth supply of materials in line with production requirements and budget, ideally within automotive - Expert knowledge and understanding of a variety of manufacturing and automotive processes and components and of supply chain management -Experience in handling supplier relationships -Strong IT systems knowledge and skills including advanced Excel skills. -Good working knowledge and experience of using Material Requirements Planning (MRP) SAP or similar. -Experience of delivering results through cross-functional working -Knowledge of lean techniques may be advantageous. -Example roles this job description may cover: Supply Chain Manager At Schneider Electric, Diversity & Inclusion is at the heart of our organisation, it's an integral part of our history, culture, and identity. We recognise that embracing diversity unlocks innovation and creativity and fosters collaboration. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our communities and the customers we serve. As a result, our teams are stronger to drive the company's future. “We are proudly participating in the Disability Confident Program offering support to people in the workplace who consider themselves living with a disability.” What we offer you: Competitive salary & Bonus Scheme, 28 Days Annual Leave + Public Holidays, Holiday Buy & Sell programme, Pension Scheme, Employee Share Ownership Programme, Various Health & Wellbeing Support Options, Gym Flex, Open Talent Market (internal mobility opportunities + access to mentors & projects globally), Shopping & Dining Discounts, Learning Portal and much more. Apply now: Please submit an online application to be considered for any position with us. You know about us, so let us learn about you! Apply today.