Mark Martin
HITCHIN,Hertfordshire
Summary
My 30-year career, from an entry-level role to the Senior Management Team at Titan Automotive, has been built on a foundation of self-reliance, initiative, and a relentless drive for learning. As a natural self-starter, I've consistently embraced challenges by proactively acquiring the necessary skills—from mastering IT systems and ERP implementation to understanding complex financial controls and technical manufacturing.
This very mindset—taking ownership, developing skills, and solving problems independently—is what I look for and cultivate in my teams. I believe that true operational excellence comes from empowering individuals with the tools and autonomy to innovate and drive the business forward. Having applied this philosophy, I am now seeking a challenging Operations Director role where I can inspire a culture of proactive ownership and achieve significant, lasting success.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work history
Supply Chain Director
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
12.2023 - 12.2025
- Lead and mentor a diverse team of 6 direct reports across Planning, Purchasing, IT, Quality, and Logistics, actively promoting a culture of continuous learning, skill development, and proactive problem-solving to foster team self-sufficiency and enhance overall operational capability.
- Oversee all aspects of supply chain, IT strategy, data analytics, KPI reporting, and production planning, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.
- Continue to leverage the PowerBI KPI suite (developed previously) to monitor and drive performance, identifying areas for operational enhancement and cost optimisation.
- Responsible for strategic oversight of IT infrastructure and ERP system (Syspro) optimisation, ensuring robust support for all business operations.
- Personally intervene to recover critical client projects at risk, leveraging deep cross-functional expertise including a strong grasp of underlying manufacturing capabilities to coordinate internal production, manage external suppliers, and serve as primary client liaison, ensuring successful delivery.
- Continued oversight and responsibility for: identification, financial reporting, and disposition strategy for obsolete and low-turnover inventory, minimising financial risk.
- Leading UK manufacturer supplying motorsport and automotive customers.
Systems Manager (Member of Senior Management Team - SMT)
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.2016 - 12.2023
- Elevated to the Senior Management Team, with the "Systems Manager" title reflecting broad strategic responsibility for IT, data, operational systems, and business intelligence.
- Spearheaded the design, development, and implementation of a transformative suite of real-time PowerBI dashboards (scaled from 10 to 50+ critical metrics).
- Directed the ongoing development, customisation, and optimisation of the Syspro ERP system, including creating SQL-based 'live' reporting tools significantly improving operational efficiency and real-time data access for users.
Interim Financial Controller (Concurrent with Systems Manager role)
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
04.2017 - 10.2018
- Appointed to this critical interim role whilst serving as Systems Manager and a member of the SMT, demonstrating trusted financial acumen.
- Assumed full responsibility for payroll processing for all direct and indirect staff.
- Managed the comprehensive process of identifying, reporting, and establishing accounting provisions for obsolete and low-use stock within the ERP system.
IT Manager
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.1995 - 01.2016
- Pioneered the company's modernisation by independently identifying the need for computerisation and proactively self-acquiring expertise in Windows OS and client-server architecture, demonstrating an early commitment to continuous skill development.
- Led the end-to-end selection and implementation of the company's first ERP/MRP system (FourthShift), rigorously evaluating vendors, negotiating contracts, and chairing the steering committee.
- Successfully delivered a second, more advanced ERP system (Syspro) with an integrated Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) module to manage an increasingly dynamic, high-mix, low-volume production environment.
- Expanded and supported critical engineering and production capabilities by rolling out Autodesk Design products, implementing the Vault document management system for design engineers, and deploying CAM software (initially EdgeCam, later OpenMind), leveraging an understanding of their application in the manufacturing lifecycle.
- The Syspro implementation doubled the active user base, integrated shop-floor data collection, incorporated broader business functions, and included real-time General Ledger integration.
Sales Manager
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.1994 - 01.2000
- Managed and nurtured key client accounts, including major international customers in the USA contributing to ~30% of company revenue, ensuring high service delivery.
- Leveraged comprehensive insight into company-wide processes gained from this role to identify and champion the critical need for enhanced IT systems, leading to the first ERP implementation.
- Managed one direct report in later stages of the role.
Stores Manager
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Managed all stores operations, leading a team of 2 direct reports, and streamlined goods receipt processes, improving efficiency.
- Concurrently managed purchasing: responsible for raw material procurement, raising manufacturing job orders, and creating/maintaining Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Proactively managed minimum stock levels to ensure timely material availability for production.
Assistant in Stores
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Gained foundational experience in all aspects of stores operations, including goods in, stock management, dispatch, and understanding of material flow within a manufacturing environment, progressing rapidly to Stores Manager.
Education
A-Levels - Physics, Economics, Geology, Maths
Longsands College
UKSkills
- Core Operations & Strategic Leadership:
- Systems, Data & Planning Expertise:
- ERP Systems Implementation & Customisation
- IT Infrastructure & Systems Integration
- Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Problem-Solving & Decision Making
- Continuous Learning & Skill Acquisition
- Project leadership
- Stakeholder communication
- Strong commercial acumen
- Budget control
- Crisis handling
- Supplier negotiation
- Resilience under pressure
Timeline
Supply Chain Director
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
12.2023 - 12.2025
Interim Financial Controller (Concurrent with Systems Manager role)
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
04.2017 - 10.2018
Systems Manager (Member of Senior Management Team - SMT)
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.2016 - 12.2023
IT Manager
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.1995 - 01.2016
Sales Manager
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.1994 - 01.2000
Stores Manager
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.1992 - 01.1994
Assistant in Stores
Titan Automotive & Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
01.1990 - 01.1992
A-Levels - Physics, Economics, Geology, Maths
Longsands College
Continuous Professional Development & Acquired Expertise
- A proactive commitment to continuous learning and practical application has been a cornerstone of a 30+ year career, encompassing formal vendor training, extensive self-study, and a dedication to understanding how technology, systems, and manufacturing processes drive business outcomes.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) & Manufacturing Systems:
- In-depth expertise in ERP/MRP II systems (Syspro, FourthShift), including selection, full lifecycle implementation, customisation, administration, and user group participation. (Attended official Syspro & FourthShift system administration courses).
- Proficiency in Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) and Shop Floor Data Capture (SFDC) modules and integration.
- Data Analysis & Business Intelligence:
- Self-taught expertise in developing and deploying BI solutions using PowerBI, including DAX for complex calculations and custom reporting via SQL.
- IT Systems & Software Application Strategy:
- Strategic understanding of IT infrastructure (Windows OS, Client-Server Architecture), Autodesk Design products, Vault document management, and CAM software (EdgeCAM, OpenMind).
- Focus on strategic deployment, business application, integration, and maximising user/business outcomes.
- Manufacturing Process & Engineering Principles:
- Comprehensive understanding of diverse manufacturing methods, material properties, finishing techniques, engineering design interpretation, and tolerance implications, gained through 30 years of immersion in a technical production environment.
- Financial Acumen & Control (Practical Application):
- Developed strong understanding of cost accounting, manufacturing variances, payroll management, and financial reporting through direct experience (including Interim Financial Controller role).
- Supply Chain Management Principles:
- Comprehensive, practical expertise across all facets of supply chain management, from procurement and inventory to logistics and strategic planning, honed through decades of hands-on experience and leadership.