Materials Controller

Department: Central Functions

Location: Luton

Description

Who are we?
Dnata is one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers. We provide a comprehensive range of inflight catering, onboard retail, supply chain and logistics services at all major and regional airports across the UK. Dnata Catering provide expertly crafted inflight catering services, delivering fresh and high-quality meals at major and regional airports across the UK. As the leading Halal caterer in the UK, we also provide tailored experiences to meet each customer’s unique needs. We’re a leader in VIP catering, offering bespoke inflight to private and charter clients.

The Role
The Materials Controller makes sure that all inflight supplies both bonded and non-bonded are available when needed to support inflight supplies. The role is responsible for receiving, storing, tracking, and distributing stock in the bonded warehouse, as well as raising and managing purchase orders through ordering systems. It also ensures all goods are handled in line with customs rules, company procedures, quality standards, and health and safety requirements.

Working closely with Warehouse, Operations, and Logistics teams, the Materials Controller keeps accurate stock records, manages inventory levels, checks product expiry dates, and ensures duty-free and bonded items are stored securely. The role helps keep operations running smoothly by making sure the right supplies are available on time, reducing waste, avoiding shortages, and maintaining accurate and compliant stock control.


Key Responsibilities

• Carry out daily stock checks to ensure physical stock matches system records
• Record all stock movements including deliveries, issues, transfers, and returns
• Monitor inflight stock levels and highlight items requiring reordering

Raise and process purchase orders for stock replenishment in line with operational demand and approved suppliers

Liaise with procurement and suppliers to ensure timely purchasing and delivery of required inflight and bonded stock

Check incoming deliveries for accuracy, quality, and order compliance

Monitor product expiry dates and flag or remove items close to expiry to reduce waste

Work with warehouse and operations teams to ensure inflight supplies are picked and dispatched on time

Review daily flight or operational requirements to confirm all supplies are available

Follow bonded warehouse procedures for the secure handling of controlled goods

Maintain accurate records to support customs and aviation compliance requirements

Investigate and resolve discrepancies between physical stock and system records

Communicate with suppliers and procurement teams regarding urgent stock needs or delivery issues

Update inventory systems in real time to ensure accurate stock information

Ensure the warehouse is kept clean, organised, secure, and compliant with health and safety standards

Work with internal teams to review and align stock levels with operational demand and forecast requirements

This list is not exhaustive, accountabilities may vary dependant on locality or role complexity and may include any other duties considered reasonable by the line manager.


Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Good attention to detail and accurate stock control
• Strong IT skills, including confident use of inventory systems, ERP platforms, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Understanding of bonded warehouse rules and customs requirements
• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and inventory/ERP systems
• Ability to raise and manage purchase orders and work with suppliers
• Good planning and organisation, especially for time-sensitive inflight supplies

Knowledge of stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO) and expiry date control

Ability to monitor stock levels and predict future needs

Good communication skills for working with teams and suppliers

Problem-solving skills to resolve stock or delivery issues

Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-moving environment

Awareness of aviation, customs, and health and safety rules

Good numeracy skills for stock counts and reporting

Ability to keep accurate records and maintain data quality

Strong teamwork and ability to work with different departments

High level of honesty and integrity when handling bonded and high-value goods

Benefits

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to be part of the Emirates global family.
• Free breakfast, lunch and dinner on site
• Free tea and coffee
• Simply health Plan
• Refer a Friend Scheme
• Discounted gym membership at over 2000 gyms nationwide
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Opportunity to enhance your learning through our inhouse apprenticeship programme

If you're invited to interview, please let us know if there are any adjustments we can make to ensure you're cleared for take-off and able to perform at your best. We’re committed to making the recruitment journey as smooth and inclusive as possible.



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