Sarah Bend
Rotherham
Summary
Experienced Materials Manager with 20+ years working with FMCG throughout Supply Chain using ERP /SAP. Proactive problem-solver with keen ability to anticipate needs and streamline processes. Strong analytical skills and excellent communication abilities enable seamless coordination and resource management. Committed to driving operational efficiency and optimising supply chain performance. Efficient and open to learning new skills/systems
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Materials Supply Planner
Premier Foods
Carlton, Barnsley
2007.05 - Current
- Optimise Materials Supply operations, management of £4m Ingredients & Packaging to meet the short and long term plan.
- Carton board management for 2 sites.
- Coordinating Seasonal Demand, Promotions, Pack Takeovers, Delists, to minimise write off costs.
- Scheduling short shelf life finished goods, incorporating fresh and frozen processes.
- Streamline inventory management, stock on site reduced by £500k using ABC analysis.
- Ran a project to improve the SAR/Redundant stock process resulting in less write off/cost to the company.
- Collaborating closely with all areas within Sweet Treats, maintaining consistent open communication to minimise issues and help the Company reach it's goals, eg. weekly project calls with Project Team, Seasonal calls with Demand Planning, close working relationship with Procurement, regular meetings with International Team.
- Cross-functional meetings to discuss forecast changes and their impact on supply plans.
- Managing supplier relationships, enhancing product flow and quality.
Materials manager
Kerry Foods
Rotherham, Yorkshire
2001.01 - 2006.10
- Managing the Materials department to ensure continuity of supply for 2 sites.
- Vendor Rating
- Appraisals
- Inventory Management, reporting at quarterly Operations meetings
- Managed vendor relationships, supplier visits and regular meetings with key suppliers resulting in better supply chain management.
- Built productive relationships with Procurement Managers to improve the process.
- Management of Disposal process.
Materials Controller
Kerry Foods
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
- Update MRP system
- Order ingredients and Packaging to meet the plan.
- Reacting quickly to plan changes.
- Attending monthly Project meetings to discuss new products/promotions and design changes.
- Building good relationships with Suppliers.
- Daily production meetings
- Resolved any supply chain issues promptly, minimising disruption to operations.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Production Inventory Management
Institute of Operations Management
RotherhamCertificate of Higher Education - Production Inventory Management
Institute of Operations Management
RotherhamGCSEs - Maths
Comprehensive School
RotherhamGCSEs - English
Comprehensive School
RotherhamGCSEs - English Literature
Comprehensive School
RotherhamGCSEs - French
Rawmarsh Comprehensive School
RotherhamGCSEs - German
Comprehensive School
RotherhamSkills
- Experienced Materials Manager and Finished Goods Scheduler
- Resourceful, excellent communication and problem solving skills
- Confident negotiator
- Open and enthusiastic to learn new skills / systems
Certification
Team Leader Management Training
Sparrowhawk Supply Chain program.
Timeline
Materials Supply Planner
Premier Foods
2007.05 - Current
Materials manager
Kerry Foods
2001.01 - 2006.10
Materials Controller
Kerry Foods
Higher National Diploma - Production Inventory Management
Institute of Operations Management
Certificate of Higher Education - Production Inventory Management
Institute of Operations Management
GCSEs - Maths
Comprehensive School
GCSEs - English
Comprehensive School
GCSEs - English Literature
Comprehensive School
GCSEs - French
Rawmarsh Comprehensive School
GCSEs - German
Comprehensive School