Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Material Planner to join our clients dynamic team
and play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient planning of materials for the production operations. As a standalone Materials Planner, you will be essential in balancing supply with customer demand, maximising operational performance, and supporting cross functional teams to ensure that production targets are met.
Key responsibilities
Inventory Control: Proactively monitor and manage inventory levels of raw materials, components, and finished goods to maintain optimal stock levels.
Conduct regular perpetual inventory counts and and use forecasting tools to anticipate demand, ensuring adequate supply to prevent production delays or shortages.
Continuously analyse usage patterns and lead times to adjust reorder points and safety stock levels, optimising both space and inventory turnover.
Demand Forecasting: Collaborate with Manufacturing, Sales, and Customer Service teams to gather and interpret demand forecasts, adjusting material requirements as necessary to meet customer needs.
Procurement: Ensure timely ordering and availability of materials and components needed for production.
Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to support consistent material availability and quality. Regularly communicate with suppliers to track material lead times, monitor order progress, and promptly address any potential supply issues. Proactively resolve delays or quality concerns, negotiating adjustments as needed to ensure timely delivery of materials that meet quality standards. Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for lead time reduction, cost savings, and process improvements, fostering long term partnerships that enhance supply reliability.
Supply Planning: Analyse production capacity and resource requirements, identifying bottlenecks and constraints, and developing plans to overcome potential production delays.
Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement: Utilise data analytics tools to identify areas for improvement, streamline processes, and reduce costs within the materials planning function.
Cross functional Communication: Act as a liaison between production, procurement, logistics, and customer service teams to ensure alignment and clarity on production priorities and material needs.
Technology Utilisation: Use EFACS (ERP) system to manage raw material, track inventory, and improve decision making processes.
Compliance and Documentation: Maintain accurate records for inventory, schedules, and materials flow, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations
Qualifications
You will have a combination of technical qualifications and relevant experience. Preferably, you will have:
Proven experience in Material planning, scheduling, or operations management, preferably in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in using material planning software and tools (e.g., ERP systems, MRP systems, Excel).
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data driven decisions.
Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate cross functionally and build relationships with stakeholders.
Problem solving mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
· £30k (depending on experience)
· plus benefits (bonus shares, 4% pension, 24 days leave, death in service X2, Westfield Health cover).
· Mon-Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm.