Material Planner

Grayson Thermal Systems; Hay Mills; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advanced thermal systems manufacturer seeks a materials planner in Hay Mills, UK. The role focuses on managing material supply chains and ensuring timely delivery of components in a manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include generating purchase orders, monitoring supplier performance, and maintaining data accuracy within the ERP system. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, IT proficiency, and previous sourcing experience. Experience in manufacturing is preferred, and full training on ERP will be provided.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in sourcing materials or components is essential.
• Proven experience using MRP systems and interpreting demand reports.
• Experience within the manufacturing industry is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support across all material planning activities.
• Generate purchase orders using MRP.
• Monitor supplier acknowledgements to ensure alignment on delivery dates.
• Escalate supplier delays that may impact production.
• Support the achievement of monthly material budget targets.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong IT proficiency, including ERP and MRP systems

Highly organised

Strong problem-solving ability

Effective team player

Tools

ERP systems

MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Role Summary

Grayson Thermal Systems manufactures advanced Thermal Management Systems used for heating and cooling Electric, Hydrogen, and Hydrogen Fuel Cell buses and trucks. As a key supplier to global OEMs, we operate in a fast‑paced and dynamic manufacturing environment.

Reporting to the Materials Team Leader, you will provide comprehensive support across all material planning activities. The role requires accurate interpretation of manufacturing demand using MRP within our ERP system. You will be responsible for scheduling orders—either weekly or monthly—via MRP or spot purchases, ensuring suppliers are provided with accurate lead times and maintaining continuity of supply.

A core focus of the role is ensuring components are delivered on time and that any risks to supply are identified early and resolved promptly to prevent production line stoppages. You will manage a designated supplier base, maintaining consistent material flow and escalating issues where necessary. In cases of non‑delivery, you will work with the Materials Team Leader to implement corrective actions or coach suppliers to improve performance. Ensuring data accuracy within the ERP system is essential to avoid administrative discrepancies.

Key areas of responsibility

• Generate purchase orders using MRP.
• Review MRP demand against material plans, MOQs, ROLs, and lead times before submitting to suppliers.
• Monitor supplier acknowledgements to ensure alignment on delivery dates, pricing, and MOQs.
• Escalate supplier delays that may impact production.
• Work closely with the Planning team to highlight potential delays, enabling re‑planning and proactive customer communication.
• Review Production Plans, Build Plans, and Shortage Reports to identify future risks and implement preventive actions.
• Monitor due and overdue purchase orders to ensure on‑time delivery, using ERP and reporting tools.
• Use the weekly materials schedule to plan and prioritise workload effectively.
• Maintain the Production Stoppage Report with accurate and timely information.
• Provide regular updates to the Materials Team Leader.
• Review supplier recovery plans to ensure continuity of supply.
• Refer supplier price increases to the Buyer for review and negotiation.
• Support the achievement of monthly material budget targets.

Health & Safety

To report any health and safety matters to your line manager, department representative or safety officer

Quality

Adhere to all relevant processes and procedures required to maintain compliance with ISO 9001 : 2015, ensuring full understanding and application of the prescribed methods of work necessary to perform the role effectively and meet the standard’s requirements.

Training

• Full training will be provided on the ERP system used in the role.
• A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Outlook is required.
• Ability to create spreadsheets, graphs, and advanced functions such as Pivot Tables.
• External training may be considered to address identified skills gaps.
• Training will be provided to ensure understanding of supplier processes and use of any required supplier portals.
• Training on report generation and interpretation of material plans will be provided to support accurate demand evaluation.

Key Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong IT proficiency, including ERP and MRP systems.
• Highly organised, capable of managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Persuasive and confident in supplier communication.
• Strong problem‑solving ability.
• Proactive approach to tasks and decision‑making.
• Professional, reliable, and committed to team success.
• Effective team player, working collaboratively within the Materials Team in an open‑plan office environment.
• Excellent planning and organisation skills.

Experience / Knowledge / Competencies

Previous experience in sourcing materials or components is essential.

Proven experience using MRP systems and interpreting demand reports.

Ability to learn quickly, think independently, and make informed decisions.

Proactive approach to stock management and cost control.

Experience within the manufacturing industry is desirable