Materials Manager

Materials Manager About us At Exchange for Change, we are building something the UK has never had before. Working across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are designing and delivering a Deposit Return Scheme from the ground up, creating a system that helps reduce litter and waste by encouraging people to return their empty drinks bottles and cans for recycling. We are industry led and driven by purpose. A national movement with a clear mission. No bottle unreturned. No can left behind . This is not just another job. This is a rare opportunity to do meaningful work, shape a landmark national programme, and help deliver lasting positive impact for people, businesses and the planet alike. Your role Reporting to the Head of Commercial, this newly created Materials Manager position offers a unique opportunity to shape, establish and manage the organisation’s commercial function, ensuring that all commercial activities align with the organisation’s mission, values, and regulatory obligations. The Materials Manager is responsible for the sale of material produced throughout the DRS, commercial management, hedging. Operating at the intersection of procurement, supply chain, and commercial functions, the role focuses strategically owning the material sale process, managing price risk through hedging strategies, and maximising value through effective market engagement and commercial decision-making with potential buyers. Drawing on strong commercial acumen, the Materials Manager monitors market trends, commodity pricing, foreign exchange exposure, and supply-demand dynamics to inform purchasing, hedging, and sales strategies. The role works closely with procurement, suppliers, traders, finance, operations, and sales teams to ensure material requirements are met while delivering cost competitiveness, margin enhancement, and risk mitigation. Key accountabilities include developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships and contracts, executing hedging activities in line with company risk policies, identifying opportunities for material trading or resale, and providing market intelligence to support business planning. The position plays a critical role in balancing supply security, commercial performance, and financial risk management to support the organisation's overall profitability and growth objectives. Key Responsibilities & Priorities Manage commodity price and foreign exchange risk through approved hedging mechanisms. Optimise material purchasing, inventory, and sales decisions based on market conditions. Negotiate commercial agreements, contracts, and supply arrangements. Monitor commodity markets and provide actionable market intelligence. Identify trading and resale opportunities to maximise value and margin Collaborate with finance on risk management, forecasting, and hedge effectiveness. Build and maintain strategic supplier and customer relationships. Ensure compliance with procurement policies, financial controls, and regulatory requirements. Deliver cost savings, working capital improvements, and commercial performance targets. About you Proven track record of establishing and developing commercial strategies within new or evolving organisations. Strong strategic commercial background with experience building commercial frameworks, processes, and governance from the ground up. Ability to align commercial practices with organisational objectives and industry best practice. Experience operating in dynamic, fast-paced environments, ideally within start-ups or newly established organisations. Adaptable, resilient, and proactive, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and introduce structure and efficiency as processes mature. CIPS Level 5 or 6 (or MCIPS) – desirable but not essential. Degree in Business, Procurement/Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or a related discipline. Experience developing multi-year sales strategies. Strong key account management experience. Ownership of the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle. Proven contract negotiation skills, including complex, multi-year agreements. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and financial modelling. Experience drafting and negotiating contracts, including Terms & Conditions (Ts&Cs) and Master Services Agreements (MSAs). The opportunity Work that makes a difference - and a place where you can too. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help establish a scheme of national importance, working with purpose-driven colleagues and partners to deliver visible, real-world impact. You’ll contribute directly to meaningful environmental and social change and in return, we support and reward our team through a range of benefits and initiatives, including: • Competitive base salary • Bonus scheme • 34 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, additional holidays for length of service • Flexibility with holidays. You may work on a local public holiday and take an alternative day off, giving you the freedom to celebrate the days that matter most to you. • 5% employer pension contribution • Life Insurance: Cover of 4 times base salary • Private Medical Insurance: Includes GP access and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support • Income protection • Family Leave: Maternity, adoption, parental, and paternity leave policies will be developed to be progressive and inclusive. • Hybrid Working: 60% office or field-based and 40% home-based, with some flexibility according to business and personal needs. Department Operations Locations Milton Keynes Remote status Hybrid About Exchange for Change We’re building one of the UK’s most ambitious environmental programmes. Exchange for Change is delivering the Deposit Return Scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, helping to reduce litter, increase recycling and support a circular economy. Every bottle and can returned is a step towards a cleaner future. We’re a team of passionate people who care about making a difference. We work collaboratively, value new ideas and support each other to do great work. If you’re looking for a role where you can grow your career while helping to create lasting environmental impact, you’ll fit right in.