Materials Controller

Job Advert

Materials Controller

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

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

Milton Keynes

Hours

Monday - Thursday

8:30am - 5pm and

Friday

8am - 4pm

Salary

£32,000 per annum

Job Purpose

To plan, purchase, and control raw materials and packaging to ensure uninterrupted site operations. The role is responsible for

balancing availability, cost, quality, and delivery performance while working within agreed stock-holding targets, storage

constraints, and business policies. The Materials Controller supports production plans, new product development, and continuous

improvement initiatives while minimising waste, obsolescence, and write-off risk.

Key Duties,

Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Materials Planning and Inventory Control

* Raise, amend, and manage purchase orders in Lawson against relevant suppliers to support site production plans, ensuring

compliance with agreed commercial terms, stock-holding targets, and space limitations.

* Issue supplier forecasts and manage demand accordingly, proactively identifying and reducing exposure to excess stock,

slow-moving materials, and obsolescence.

* Work closely with Production Planning to develop accurate materials forecasts for the supply base.

* Receipt purchase orders in Lawson accurately and in a timely manner to ensure system integrity, stock visibility, and accurate

inventory valuation.

* Monitor, maintain, and update the MRP system, ensuring stock levels, delivery dates, and usage assumptions remain current and

aligned with operational requirements.

* Create and maintain daily raw material and packaging delivery schedules to support production, intake, and warehousing

activities.

* Arrange and manage physical and virtual stock transfers between site and 3PL storage locations.

* Work collaboratively with 3PLs to ensure raw materials and packaging are accurately received, stored, reported, and

reconciled.

* Ensure stock held off-site is correctly accounted for in Lawson, investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.

* Work closely with Warehouse team to manage limited storage space effectively and ensure obsolete, excess, or slow-moving

materials are dealt proactively and promptly.

* Identify materials at risk and work cross functionally to minimise write off exposure through re planning, usage optimisation,

freezing, or redistribution to other sites within TCFG.

* Where necessary, raise and manage concessions in line with company procedures to approve material usage or extend shelf life,

ensuring appropriate technical and quality approval is obtained to reduce waste while maintaining food safety and compliance.

* Monitor seasonal materials before and during promotions, ensuring adequate availability while minimising surplus and write-off

risk.

* Expedite materials and outstanding deliveries as required, proactively identifying supply risks, escalating issues where

appropriate, and supporting the wider team to maintain continuity of supply.

* Lead and resolve supply issues by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions in collaboration with suppliers

and internal stakeholders.

* Organise supplier returns for non-conforming or rejected materials using the company operating system.

* Resolve supplier invoicing discrepancies promptly and accurately.

* Operate within defined materials management KPIs, including but not limited to stock value/ target days cover, service level,

waste and write-off, and supplier delivery performance.

* Actively monitor performance against targets, highlighting risks and opportunities, and contributing to corrective action plans

where performance deviates from expectations.

* Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving materials availability, reducing waste, and optimising working

capital.

* Work collaboratively with other stakeholders on product launches, changes, and delists to ensure smooth material transitions

and minimal waste.

* Attend production, procurement, and cross functional meetings as required, providing clear and accurate materials updates.

* Investigate and participate in business improvement initiatives, including material rationalisation, cost reduction, and

process optimisation.

* Foster a culture of best practice in materials planning, stock control, system discipline, and supplier management.

* Provide cover for the Materials Controller Supervisor as required, ensuring continuity of materials planning and control

activities.

* Carry out ad-hoc administrative tasks, including new SKU setup, system data maintenance, packaging database updates, and stock

reconciliations with 3PLs.

Knowledge,

Skills and Experience

Essential

* Experience in materials control, materials planning, or supply chain roles within a manufacturing or FMCG environment.

* Strong working knowledge of MRP / ERP systems (e.g. Lawson or similar), including purchase order management and receipting.

* Proficient user of Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

* Highly organised, methodical, and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.

* Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.

* Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and 3PL partners.

Desirable

* Experience working with third-party logistics providers and external storage facilities.

* Understanding of concessions, shelf-life management, and waste reduction in a food manufacturing environment.

* Experience supporting NPD launches and seasonal campaigns.

Qualities

* Energetic and enthusiastic with hands- on approach.

* Self-Motivated

* Flexible attitude

* A team player with well-developed interpersonal skills

* Able to work under pressure.

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