Materials Team Leader

About Us

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.

As a Materials Team Leader
, you’ll play a vital role in leading the stores operation within a Train Maintenance Centre (TMC). This is a hands‑on, onsite leadership position, responsible for ensuring materials, spares, tools, and equipment are managed safely, efficiently, and accurately to support critical maintenance operations.

You’ll lead a team of Materials Operatives, ensuring strong stock control, system accuracy, and process compliance—helping keep our fleets moving and our services running seamlessly.

• Lead, coach, and develop the stores team to deliver safe, high‑quality performance
• Manage stock control, materials availability, and inventory accuracy to support maintenance operations
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, and storage standards across all materials activities
• Oversee SAP transactions, ensuring all goods movements, issues, and adjustments are accurate and timely
• Monitor and improve KPIs relating to stock performance, availability, and operational efficiency
• Support audits and ensure materials, tools, and equipment meet compliance and governance standards
• Manage procure‑to‑pay activities, resolving invoice and transactional queries where needed
• Drive continuous improvement across stores processes, layout, and systems

We’re looking for a proactive and driven leader who thrives in a fast‑paced operational environment.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in materials, stores, or warehouse management, including team leadership
• Strong understanding of stock control, materials processes, and operational KPIs
• Confidence using systems such as SAP or similar inventory/ERP platforms (or the ability to quickly learn)
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A hands‑on, problem‑solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

• Experience with in rail, heavy engineering, manufacturing, or other safety‑critical environments
• Knowledge of Lean principles or process improvement methodologies
• NVQ or equivalent in warehousing, logistics, or supply chain

We’re particularly interested in candidates with rail experience, but we also welcome applicants from other industries with strong materials or stores management backgrounds who can bring transferable skills and fresh perspectives.

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance‑related bonus opportunity
• 25 days holiday
• Pension scheme with contributions up to 9 %
• Private medical insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Group income protection & life insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle

Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment – we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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