Supply Chain Coordinator

Supply Chain Co-ordinator

Location - Wednesbury

Reporting To - Planning Manager

The Supply Chain Co-ordinator is responsible for managing the procurement of materials to ensure uninterrupted material flow through the lock manufacturing business. The role focuses on supplier liaison, contract management, maintaining Kanban levels, and ensuring materials are available in the right quantity, at the right time, and at the right cost to support production requirements.

• Manage the purchasing of raw materials, components, and consumables required for lock manufacturing operations.
• Raise and manage purchase orders in line with production plans, Kanban signals, and agreed stock levels.
• Ensure materials are sourced cost-effectively while meeting quality and delivery requirements.
• Monitor market conditions and supplier performance to manage risk and continuity of supply.

• Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers, building strong and effective working relationships.
• Negotiate and maintain supplier contracts, pricing agreements, and lead times in line with business objectives.
• Review supplier performance against agreed KPIs including delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost.
• Identify and develop alternative or secondary suppliers to mitigate supply chain risk.

• Maintain and manage Kanban levels to support efficient material flow and minimise excess inventory.
• Monitor stock levels, usage trends, and demand patterns to prevent shortages or overstocking.
• Work closely with production and planning teams to align purchasing activity with manufacturing schedules.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing lead times, inventory holding, and waste.

• Collaborate with Operations, Production Planning, and Stores to ensure smooth inbound material flow.
• Respond to changes in demand or production priorities with appropriate purchasing adjustments.
• Support new product introductions by ensuring timely sourcing of new materials and components.

• Ensure purchased materials meet specified quality standards and technical requirements.
• Support resolution of supplier quality or delivery issues in conjunction with Quality and Operations teams.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier, and inventory records within ERP or MRP systems.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and relevant regulatory or contractual requirements.

• Ensure suppliers operate in line with health, safety, and ethical standards expected by the business.
• Support initiatives to improve sustainability, reduce waste, and optimise packaging and transport.

• Proven experience in a purchasing, procurement, or materials management role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of material flow, inventory control, and Kanban systems.
• Experience liaising with suppliers and managing contracts or supply agreements.
• Good commercial awareness with the ability to balance cost, quality, and delivery.
• Strong organisational, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Experience with in metalworking, assembly, or lock / hardware manufacturing.
• Experience using ERP or MRP systems.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and supply chain best practice.

• Proactive, organised, and detail focused.
• Calm and effective under pressure.
• Strong problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Confident communicator able to build effective supplier and internal relationships