Material Planner

Portable Foods Manufacturing Company Limited; Chester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Portable Foods Manufacturing Company Limited in the United Kingdom is seeking a meticulous Material Planner and Stock Controller to ensure timely availability of raw and packaging materials for production. The role focuses on optimizing inventory and driving improvements across supplier performance and logistics processes.

The ideal candidate will have proven Material Planning experience with strong SAP skills, exceptional organisational abilities, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset suited

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Material Planning.
• Strong SAP experience (essential).
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Experience in stock control and inventory management.
• Strong numerical and analytical capability.
• Effective communicator across levels.

Responsibilities

• Run and action SAP MRP exception messages (minimum three times per week).
• Execute daily ZARC2 reports to ensure deliveries align with purchase orders.
• Issue weekly “Outstanding Orders by Supplier” reports and track confirmations.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding ordering, delivery schedules, and issue resolution.
• Review and convert suggested future orders into purchase orders (POs).
• Collaborate with European Procurement on contract requirements and issues.
• Maintain SAP data, including creation and management of material masters.
• Manage ordering of raw materials, packaging (cases, backing paper), and ad-hoc materials.
• Ensure inventory levels remain within target, identifying opportunities for reduction.
• Conduct monthly audits of sensitive materials, ensuring stock rotation and ageing risk control.
• Manage obsolete or discontinued materials, including disposal and cost recovery.
• Review slow-moving stock reports monthly and take appropriate action.
• Drive continuous improvement in material scheduling, delivery, and warehouse processes.
• Maintain regular communication with Inbound Logistics teams.
• Complete monthly Supplier Performance Reviews.
• Participate in supplier visits and audits.
• Support cross-functional projects and ad-hoc initiatives.
• Attend team meetings and one-to-one sessions.
• Uphold high standards in Safety, Environmental performance (including NRC), Quality, and Food Safety.
• Demonstrate commitment to KWS and AM principles.
• Provide cross-cover for Planning and Stock Control activities as required.

Skills

SAP

Material planning

Stock control

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Tools

SAP

Job description

Pay: £30,000.00-£41,124.03 per year

Job Description:

We are looking for a highly organised and detail-focused Material Planner & Stock Controller to join our Planning Team. This role is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of raw and packaging materials to meet production requirements, while maintaining optimal inventory levels and driving continuous improvement across supplier performance and logistics processes.

This is a dynamic, fast-paced role that combines both material planning and stock control, requiring strong analytical skills, excellent stakeholder management, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

The ideal candidate will:

• Proven experience in Material Planning
• Strong SAP experience (essential)
• Highly organised with excellent time management and attention to detail
• Strong numerical and analytical capability
• Effective communicator with the ability to build relationships across all levels
• A team player who can thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Experience in stock control processes and inventory management

Key responsibilities:

• Run and action SAP MRP exception messages (minimum three times per week)
• Execute daily ZARC2 reports to ensure deliveries align with purchase orders
• Issue weekly “Outstanding Orders by Supplier” reports and track confirmations
• Liaise with suppliers regarding ordering, delivery schedules, and issue resolution
• Review and convert suggested future orders into purchase orders (POs)
• Collaborate with European Procurement on contract requirements and issues
• Maintain SAP data, including creation and management of material masters
• Manage ordering of raw materials, packaging (cases, backing paper), and ad-hoc materials
• Ensure inventory levels remain within target, identifying opportunities for reduction
• Conduct monthly audits of sensitive materials, ensuring stock rotation and identifying ageing risks
• Manage obsolete or discontinued materials, including disposal and cost recovery
• Review slow-moving stock reports monthly and take appropriate action
• Drive continuous improvement in material scheduling, delivery, and warehouse processes
• Maintain regular communication with Inbound Logistics teams
• Complete monthly Supplier Performance Reviews
• Participate in supplier visits and audits
• Support cross-functional projects and ad-hoc initiatives
• Attend team meetings and one-to-one sessions
• Uphold high standards in Safety, Environmental performance (including NRC), Quality, and Food Safety
• Demonstrate commitment to KWS and AM principles
• Provide cross-cover for both Planning and Stock Control activities as required, always ensuring continuity of operations

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and collaborative working environment
• Opportunities to engage with international teams and suppliers
• A culture focused on continuous improvement and development

Work Location: In person