Supply Chain and Logistics Controller

Lotus Laser Systems

Supply Chain and Logistics Controller

Full time | Basildon, Essex

The Supply Chain and Logistics Controller makes sure every Lotus machine has the parts it needs, a realistic build date and a safe route to the customer.

Job title

Supply Chain and Logistics Controller

Hours

Monday to Friday, 08:30–17:00, including a 30-minute paid lunch break (42.5 paid hours per week).

Salary

£36,000 per year (fixed salary)

Location

Basildon, Essex. Mainly desk based, with regular contact with the workshop and stores

Contract

Permanent

Reports to

Management team

Works closely with

Sales, machine assembly, R&D, technical support, QC and stores, accounts, customers

About Lotus Laser Systems

Lotus Laser Systems is a UK manufacturer of industrial laser marking, engraving and cutting systems, designed, built, tested and supported from Essex. Our range covers Lotus MOPA fibre, Lotus UV and Lotus CO2 systems, from standard machines through to bespoke and automated production cells.

We build machines for manufacturers in sectors including aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics and defence. Every build depends on the right components arriving on time and to specification, which is why supply chain planning sits at the heart of the business.

Purpose of the role

You will own the journey of each machine order, from confirming what the customer has ordered to arranging delivery once it is built.

Working from bills of materials, you will plan and buy the parts each build needs, set up call-off orders with key suppliers and find new suppliers where we need better price, quality or lead time. You will use stock levels and the order book to give realistic estimated build dates, then arrange transport once the machine is ready. You will also manage the logistics of warranty repairs and returns, so customers get their equipment back working as quickly as possible.

Key responsibilitiesProcurement from bills of materials

· Work from bills of materials (BOMs) for standard machines and bespoke projects to plan and place purchase orders, checking existing stock before ordering.

· Set up and manage call-off orders with key suppliers, scheduling releases to match the build plan and order book.

· Process purchase requests from R&D, assembly, support and stores, keeping each request updated through to delivery.

· Buy machined and sheet metal parts, extrusions and panels, electronics, pneumatics, optics, laser sources, chillers and extraction filters, plus packaging and consumables.

Supplier development and negotiation

· Find, assess and set up new suppliers, including second sources for critical or long-lead parts.

· Obtain and compare quotations, and negotiate on price, batch quantity, minimum order quantity, lead time and call-off terms.

· Monitor supplier performance on delivery, quality and order accuracy, and review it with suppliers.

· Resolve supplier issues such as wrong specification, damaged or faulty parts and incorrect quantities, arranging replacements, credits or refunds using inspection evidence from QC.

Customer order confirmation and build scheduling

· Confirm new customer orders, checking the ordered specification against the BOM, current stock and parts on order.

· Provide estimated build and delivery dates based on stock, supplier lead times and the current order book.

· Keep sales and customers informed of progress, and give early warning if a shortage or delay will change an estimated date.

Order tracking and expediting

· Track open purchase orders, chase confirmations and keep internal teams informed of expected delivery dates.

· Flag any delay that could affect a machine build, R&D project or customer delivery.

· Keep purchase records, quotes and references accurate and easy for others to find.

Transport and logistics

· Identify and select the most suitable freight agent for each shipment, balancing competitive pricing with service quality and reliability.

· Liaise with the selected freight agent to arrange collection and delivery of completed machines and other shipments in the UK and overseas.

· Ensure the selected freight agent receives complete and accurate shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, HS codes and other relevant consignment details.

Warranty repairs and returns

· Manage the logistics of warranty repairs and customer returns in accordance with the company’s approved returns process, including collection, tracking, receipt into QC and return shipment.

· Work with technical support, who assess each case, to order replacement parts and keep customers updated on timescales.

· Pursue supplier warranty claims where a bought-in component has failed.

· Follow and deliver each warranty repair or return in accordance with the approved returns process, keeping accurate records and ensuring required steps and approvals are completed.

Stock planning and cost control

· Work with the QC and Stock Controller to set reorder levels for long-lead and fast-moving items, based on usage, lead times and the order book.

· Keep spend within agreed budgets and report weekly to the management team on savings, price changes, supplier issues and risks to build or delivery dates.

Skills and experienceEssential

· Proven experience in supply chain, purchasing or logistics, ideally in manufacturing or engineering.

· Confident working from BOMs, part numbers and supplier quotations, with a basic understanding of technical drawings.

· Experience planning around stock, lead times and an order book to set realistic delivery dates.

· Good negotiation skills and the confidence to challenge price, lead time and quality.

· Experience sourcing and comparing UK and international freight agents and coordinating shipping documentation.

· Strong Excel skills and comfort with online ordering, email and shared task or ticket systems.

· Highly organised, able to manage many open orders and changing priorities without losing track.

· Clear, professional communication with customers, suppliers and internal teams.

· Close attention to detail on quantities, specifications, dates and costs.

Desirable

· Experience finding and onboarding new suppliers.

· Working knowledge of Incoterms, freight modes, commercial invoices, packing lists and HS codes.

· Experience managing warranty repairs, returns or after-sales logistics.

· Familiarity with mechanical, electrical or electronic components.

· CIPS qualification, or working towards one.

· Experience with Asana, an ERP or MRP system, or similar planning tools.

Terms and how to apply

· Salary: £36,000 per year (fixed).

· Holiday: 20 days per year plus public holidays, increasing by one additional day for each completed year of full and continuous service, up to five additional days after five years.

· Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

· Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Indeed online recruitment service.

Pay: £34,000.00-£36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person