Supply Chain Operations Manager

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

We're looking for an experienced Supply Chain Operations Manager to lead materials, inventory, stores, tooling, and logistics operations within our Train Maintenance Centre (TMC).

This is a highly visible leadership position where you'll be responsible for ensuring the seamless flow of materials, tools, and services that keep our fleets operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. You'll lead a dedicated team, manage supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement across supply chain operations, helping to maximise fleet availability and operational performance.

Whether your experience comes from rail, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, utilities, or another complex operational environment, this is an opportunity to apply your expertise within a critical, fast-paced maintenance operation.

• →Lead all materials, inventory, stores, and logistics activities supporting maintenance delivery and fleet availability.
• →Ensure the right materials, tools, and critical assets are available at the right time to support operational requirements.
• →Drive best practice in stock control, inventory management, governance, and material availability.
• →Develop and lead a high-performing team, fostering engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• →Promote a strong health, safety, and compliance culture across all supply chain activities.
• →Manage supplier and third-party logistics (3PL) relationships to ensure service excellence and value for money.
• →Oversee tooling, calibration (IMTE), and asset readiness to support safe and efficient maintenance operations.
• →Lead audits, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• →Collaborate closely with procurement, engineering, maintenance, and systems teams to improve processes, performance, and operational efficiency.
• →Monitor budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities to improve productivity and service levels.

You'll be a people-focused leader with strong operational experience and a passion for delivering supply chain excellence in a complex environment.

You'll bring:

• Proven experience managing supply chain, materials, inventory, stores, warehouse, or logistics operations.
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.
• Sound knowledge of inventory control, stock governance, material planning, and operational processes.
• Experience managing budgets and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
• A full UK Driving Licence with no more than six penalty points.

• Experience within rail, engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, utilities, or other safety-critical environments.
• Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP, asset, or inventory management systems.
• Professional qualifications in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Warehouse, or Inventory Management.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programmes.

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