Material Planner

JR United Kingdom; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Material Planner to oversee the timely procurement and availability of materials essential for production. This key role will involve managing inventory, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring alignment between material supply and production demands to maintain smooth operations. The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years of experience, strong proficiency in ERP systems, and advanced Excel skills.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in material planning, supply chain, or procurement.
• Strong understanding of MRP, safety stock, and lead times.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or JIT principles is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement and availability of materials.
• Coordinate with suppliers and monitor inventory levels.
• Align material supply with production demand to prevent shortages.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Team-oriented

Solution-focused mindset

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Planning tools/software

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

The Material Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement and availability of materials required for production. This role involves coordinating with suppliers, monitoring inventory levels and aligning material supply with production demand to avoid shortages or excess stock. The planner plays a critical role in maintaining smooth operations within the supply chain and production departments.

Scope of the Role

• Inventory management

Qualifications:

• 2–5 years of experience in material planning, supply chain, or procurement.

• Strong understanding of material planning concepts such as MRP, safety stock, and lead times.

• Proficiency with ERP systems.

• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with planning tools or software.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a manufacturing or production planning environment.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or just-in-time (JIT) principles.

Skills:

• Attention to detail and analytical thinking.

• Effective communication and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Team-oriented with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.