Materials Controller

Job Profile: Machine Shop Materials Controller

FMS WORKSHOP

1. Job Purpose

To ensure the effective sourcing, control, storage, handling and distribution of materials, consumables, tooling and manufactured components within the FMS Workshop.

The incumbent is responsible for maintaining material availability, coordinating external processing requirements, monitoring and controlling stock levels, and supporting workshop operations to ensure efficient production, cost-effective resource utilisation and consistent customer service.

2. Key Performance Areas and Responsibilities

2.1 Materials Planning and Availability

• Coordinate the sourcing and availability of raw materials, consumables, tooling and components required for workshop operations.
• Review workshop job cards, production schedules and material requirements to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Liaise with the Workshop Manager, Planners, Artisans and Procurement to identify material requirements and prevent production delays.
• Monitor material lead times and proactively identify potential shortages.
• Ensure materials are procured in accordance with approved specifications and operational requirements.

2.2 Inventory and Stock Control

• Maintain accurate inventory records of materials, consumables, tooling and workshop components.
• Conduct regular stock counts and reconcile physical stock against system records.
• Monitor minimum and maximum stock levels and initiate replenishment requests when required.
• Investigate and resolve stock discrepancies, losses and obsolete or surplus inventory.
• Ensure appropriate stock rotation and effective utilisation of available materials.
• Maintain accurate records of all material receipts, issues, transfers and returns.

2.3 Procurement and Supplier Coordination

• Prepare and submit material requisitions in line with approved procurement procedures.
• Obtain quotations and coordinate with Procurement on supplier sourcing and delivery requirements.
• Follow up on outstanding purchase orders and supplier deliveries.
• Verify delivered materials against purchase orders, delivery notes and required specifications.
• Report non-conforming, damaged or incorrect materials and coordinate corrective action with suppliers.
• Maintain effective supplier relationships to support operational continuity.

2.4 External Processing and Subcontractor Coordination

• Coordinate the dispatch and collection of components requiring external machining, heat treatment, fabrication or other specialised processing.
• Ensure components are correctly identified, documented and tracked throughout the external processing cycle.
• Monitor turnaround times and follow up on outstanding external work to minimise production delays.
• Verify returned components against job specifications and applicable quality requirements.
• Maintain records of outsourced work, associated costs and delivery timelines.

2.5 Storage, Handling and Material Distribution

• Ensure materials, tooling and components are appropriately stored, labelled and protected against damage or deterioration.
• Maintain an organised and safe workshop stores and materials handling area.
• Issue materials and consumables against authorised workshop requests and job cards.
• Ensure proper handling and preservation of precision components and specialised tooling.
• Monitor housekeeping standards and compliance with applicable SHE requirements.
• Ensure that materials are available and delivered to the relevant workshop areas as required.

2.6 Tooling and Consumables Management

• Monitor the availability and condition of machine shop tooling, cutting tools, inserts and other consumables.
• Maintain records of tooling issued, returned, replaced or requiring maintenance.
• Coordinate the replenishment of critical tooling and consumables.
• Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary tooling consumption and material wastage.
• Ensure tooling is stored and controlled to prevent loss, damage and unnecessary expenditure.

2.7 Systems, Reporting and Administration

• Maintain accurate material transactions and inventory information on the relevant business systems.
• Ensure timely processing of goods receipts, material issues, returns and stock transfers.
• Generate regular reports on stock levels, material consumption, outstanding orders and inventory variances.
• Maintain supporting documentation for procurement, stock movements and external processing.
• Provide accurate information to support workshop planning, cost control and operational reporting.

2.8 Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Comply with applicable SHE policies, procedures and workshop safety requirements.
• Ensure safe storage and handling of materials, chemicals and other controlled substances, where applicable.
• Identify and report unsafe storage conditions, material handling risks and housekeeping concerns.
• Participate in safety inspections, audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

3. Minimum Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Technical Diploma, N3 or equivalent Certificate or Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, Logistics, Inventory Management or an equivalent qualification would be advantageous.

4. Experience Requirements

• 3-5 years' experience in materials management, inventory control, stores or supply chain operations.
• Experience within an engineering, manufacturing, maintenance or machine shop environment would be advantageous.
• Experience working with procurement processes, supplier coordination and stock management.
• Exposure to ERP systems, preferably SAP or a similar materials management system.
• Understanding of engineering materials, machining consumables and tooling would be advantageous.

5. Technical Competencies

• Inventory and stock management.
• Materials planning and procurement coordination.
• Understanding of engineering materials and machining consumables.
• Supplier and subcontractor coordination.
• Stock reconciliation and inventory reporting.
• ERP/SAP systems proficiency.
• Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly Excel.
• Knowledge of material handling, storage and preservation requirements.
• Understanding of workshop production and job card processes.

6. Behavioural Competencies

• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Customer service orientation.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet operational deadlines.
• Accountability and ownership.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with workshop teams.

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