Materials Planner

About the company

Role overview

Principal duties and responsibilities

• Develop and maintain material requirements plans for assigned production cells.
• Analyse production schedules and forecasts to determine material needs and procurement timelines.
• Monitor inventory levels, identify shortages or excesses, and recommend stock-level actions.
• Coordinate with procurement and production teams to ensure timely material delivery.
• Use ERP systems to track material usage, forecast needs, and report inventory metrics.
• Analyse historical data to improve forecasting accuracy and adjust planning parameters.
• Collaborate with production, project management, engineering, and quality assurance teams.
• Address material-related issues through cross-departmental meetings and problem-solving.
• Implement process improvements and best practices within materials planning.
• Lead initiatives to reduce lead times, improve inventory turnover, and optimise material flow.
• Maintain accurate material transaction records and prepare management reports and recommendations.

Essential skills and qualifications

• At least three years of experience in materials planning, inventory management, or supply chain roles, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience in complex project-based manufacturing is desirable.
• Proven track record of successful production planning and scheduling.
• Proficiency in ERP and MRP systems, such as SAP or Oracle, and advanced Excel.
• Strong understanding of materials management, inventory control, and production scheduling.
• ASCM certification, formerly APICS, such as CPIM or CSCP, or equivalent is desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and manage change.
• Applicants must have valid right to work in the UK and be able to obtain security clearance.

Personal skills and competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated capability to manage change.

Key performance indicators

Benefits

• Opportunities to develop.
• Bonus.
• 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
• Holiday buy and sell.
• Pension.
• Life cover.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Digital health, wealth, and lifestyle benefits.

Physical demands and working conditions

• The role requires daily standing, sitting, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, and computer work.
• The role occasionally requires stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting or moving light to moderate objects.
• The role may occasionally require travel by air or road.
• The work environment may include an open-plan or individual office and extended periods at a computer terminal.
• The role may require sitting in a car or on a plane for extended periods.

Company values