Materials Controller

Materials Controller  

We’re looking for a talented Materials Controller to join our supply chain team in Clitheroe!

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to create Food to Feel Good – great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.

Location: Clitheroe

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 5pm and Friday: 8:30am – 4pm

Salary: £30,000 – £32,000 per annum DOE

Job Purpose: 

A materials controller is responsible for managing the flow of materials. Their primary purpose is to ensure that the right materials are available at the right time and in the correct quantity to support production processes without over stocking where possible. This involves overseeing inventory levels, coordinating with suppliers for purchasing and negotiating prices, tracking material usage, and ensuring that stock is properly stored and organized. Their goal is to minimise production delays and waste while maintaining cost efficiency and smooth operations. 

Key Duties, Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

• Responsible for the procurement of raw material for food manufacturing 
• Manage the planning of procurement through the planning system 
• Transfer the deliveries over to the accounting system and maintain accurate stock records 
• Build and maintain good working relationships with all suppliers and negotiate competitive prices 
• Track lead-time and manage deliveries into the internal and external warehouse for all orders including overseas deliveries 
• New line launch coordinator, being the direct contact between Procurement, NPD and commercial teams 
• Managing the end-to-end set up of new ingredients, packaging and finished goods recipes 
• Forecast accuracy tracking and reporting 
• Creating purchase orders, landing the deliveries 
• Reporting on stocks and suppliers on a daily basis both face to face in production meeting and with various reports 
• Authorise invoices and ensure three-way matching 
• Act as an owner of inventories and will work to achieve both customer satisfaction and business objectives 
• Prepares daily/weekly/monthly reports as directed 
• Leads supply discussion with production on a regularly scheduled basis 
• Provides analytical support for determining short and long term capacity needs 
• Works continually with the planning team to achieve inventory targets 
• Advises production sites on production scheduling changes as deemed necessary 
• Assists in production planning as required 
• Communicate production dates and finished goods availability to interested parties 
• Resolve potential shortage situations by proactively managing inventory levels at warehouses 
• During periods of product shortage, assist in sourcing new suppliers 
• Effectively manage inventory turns and product movement by date code 
• Provide necessary reports and analysis needed to enable the Sales & Operational Planning process, and participate in S&OP meetings
• Track surplus/short and old age inventories; communicate findings and facilitate the resolution of issues identified 
• Work closely with Commercial divisions to proactively manage the new product introduction process 
• Perform production capacity planning studies 
• Identify and execute opportunities to improve supply chain efficiency 
• Support opportunities and NPD by requesting and managing samples 
• Assist in identifying and delivering cost savings and efficiencies
• Address and resolve procurement problems – challenge under-performing suppliers/document & report weekly so that action to remedy issues/prevent recurrence is executed 
• Control, review and maintenance of group supplier base – suppliers/capabilities/ingredients/packaging/costs. Preparing information to help maximize cost-effectiveness 
• Assist in the identification of suitable suppliers and preparation of tenders in accordance with procurement strategy 
• Build a catalogue of suppliers and ingredients to support the NPD team & wider business 
• Assist in developing & implementing supplier contracts – review of current contracts/agreements to identify opportunities to improve effectiveness 
• Analyse all purchasing activity to assist in creating a budget for the procurement team to manage and report against 
• Reporting of system issues and forecast anomalies 
• To assist in general duties and undertake any other reasonable tasks as required

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

The right candidate will have a passion for food and an enthusiasm to learn on the job in a fast paced sector of the industry. The position is suitable for a candidate looking to start or continue their career within the food manufacturer industry with minimal experience. 

Experience:   

•    Degree level (Business, logistics or related field) or relevant experience 

•   Food manufacturing experience within an FMCG environment  

Key Skills: 

•    Background in master scheduling, forecasting and planning 

•    Experience using statistical software packages  

•    Knowledge of key inventory performance metrics, turns, margin contributions, etc.  

•    Strong planning and organisational skills  

•    Excellent spoken and written communication skills  

•    Strong problem-solving and numeracy skills  

•    Strong attention to detail and extreme accuracy  

•    Confidence in using computer packages, such as spreadsheets and databases; Outlook and Microsoft Office suite, including Advanced Excel 

Qualities: 

•   A passion for food – Product tasting is required across multiple categories

•   Enthusiasm to learn and grow 

•   Self Motivated 

•    Flexible attitude 

•   A team player with well-developed interpersonal skills 

•   The ability to work under pressure to deadlines; high stress tolerance

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing and career growth:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits:

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points – available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing:

• 24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development:

• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Company Mentoring Scheme  to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards

Community & Culture:

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents

What You Should Know About How We Recruit

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe great teams are built on difference. We create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and are able to be themselves at work.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know, we’ll support you — confidentially and with care.

We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance.

You’ll also find benefits that support people at every life stage, plus active internal networks — including Women @ Compleat, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodiversity