Supply Chain Operations Manager
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£44,900
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 1243 (84% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £44,900, and Hitachi Rail is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
Worth checking: this could also be SOC 1242 (Managers in storage and warehousing), which is not on the eligible-occupation list. Ask Hitachi Rail what the duties actually are.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1243 Managers in logistics Most likely code | £33,400 | £44,900 | £44,900 | £44,900 |
1242 Managers in storage and warehousing Also possible | £33,400 | £41,700 | £41,700 | £41,700 |
1241 Managers in transport and distribution Also possible | £33,400 | £44,900 | £44,900 | £44,900 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.
Job Description:
Your New Role
We're looking for an experienced Supply Chain Operations Manager to lead materials, inventory, stores, tooling, and logistics operations within our Train Maintenance Centre (TMC).
This is a highly visible leadership position where you'll be responsible for ensuring the seamless flow of materials, tools, and services that keep our fleets operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. You'll lead a dedicated team, manage supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement across supply chain operations, helping to maximise fleet availability and operational performance.
Whether your experience comes from rail, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, utilities, or another complex operational environment, this is an opportunity to apply your expertise within a critical, fast-paced maintenance operation.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead all materials, inventory, stores, and logistics activities supporting maintenance delivery and fleet availability.
- Ensure the right materials, tools, and critical assets are available at the right time to support operational requirements.
- Drive best practice in stock control, inventory management, governance, and material availability.
- Develop and lead a high-performing team, fostering engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Promote a strong health, safety, and compliance culture across all supply chain activities.
- Manage supplier and third-party logistics (3PL) relationships to ensure service excellence and value for money.
You'll be a people-focused leader with strong operational experience and a passion for delivering supply chain excellence in a complex environment.
You'll bring:
- Proven experience managing supply chain, materials, inventory, stores, warehouse, or logistics operations.
- Strong leadership skills with experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.
- Sound knowledge of inventory control, stock governance, material planning, and operational processes.
- Experience managing budgets and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- The ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
- A full UK Driving Licence with no more than six penalty points.
- Experience within rail, engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, utilities, or other safety-critical environments.
- Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP, asset, or inventory management systems.
- Professional qualifications in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Warehouse, or Inventory Management.
- Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programmes.
This is more than a supply chain role. You'll play a critical part in supporting a vital maintenance operation, ensuring materials, tooling, and logistics services are in place to keep our fleets moving and our customers connected.
We're looking for someone who can bring fresh thinking, strong leadership, and operational expertise to help shape the future of our supply chain function.
We welcome applications from candidates across rail, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, automotive, utilities, engineering, and logistics sectors who can bring transferable skills and experience into this exciting opportunity.
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachirail
Apply Now
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Hitachi Rail, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Managers in logistics (SOC 1243) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~31k in sample- Middle half £37,232–58,604
- Median £46,540
- Going rate £44,900
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–40,410
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About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Hitachi Rail holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1243 going rate of £44,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.