Material Planner

JR United Kingdom; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive sector is seeking a Material Planner to manage material availability for manufacturing operations. The role involves coordinating with suppliers, tracking inventory, and optimizing material flow. Ideal candidates will possess advanced Excel skills and strong communication abilities, ensuring effective collaboration across departments. Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and supply chain efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Material Planner or similar role in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of planning processes and MRP/ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely planning of materials to meet production schedules.
• Monitor inventory levels and optimize stock to avoid shortages.

Skills

Analytical

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational

Education

Degree in Supply Chain

Degree in Business

Degree in Engineering

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Excel

Job description

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Material Planner Job Description

As a Material Planner, you will play a critical role in managing material availability to support manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for coordinating with suppliers, tracking inventory, and ensuring optimal material flow. The ideal candidate will be highly analytical, excel-savvy, and confident in communicating with internal and external stakeholders—including presenting updates to leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ensure timely and accurate planning of materials to meet production schedules and customer demands.
2. Monitor inventory levels and optimize stock to avoid shortages or excesses.
3. Develop and maintain advanced Excel-based planning tools and reports to track key supply metrics.
4. Liaise closely with suppliers to manage deliveries, resolve issues, and improve performance.
5. Collaborate with purchasing, production, engineering, and logistics teams to align supply with demand.
6. Prepare and deliver reports and presentations to leadership teams on material status, risks, and recommendations.
7. Support continuous improvement initiatives to streamline planning processes and enhance supply chain efficiency.
8. Manage change control and coordinate part phase-ins and phase-outs in line with production needs.

Skills & Experience Required

1. Proven experience as a Material Planner, Supply Chain Analyst, or similar role in a manufacturing or automotive environment.
2. Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems and planning processes.
3. Advanced Excel skills are essential (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, formulas, data analysis; VBA is a plus).
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills—able to engage effectively across departments and levels.
5. Comfortable presenting data and performance updates to leadership teams.
6. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
7. Problem-solving mindset with a proactive and collaborative approach.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.
2. Experience within the automotive sector or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
3. Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.

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