Material Planner

ZipRecruiter; Walsall; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A global supply chain company based in Walsall is seeking a detail-oriented Material Planner. The successful candidate will ensure timely availability of materials, optimize inventory levels, and collaborate with various teams to meet business needs. The role requires strong analytical skills, experience in material planning, and excellent communication. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft tools and ERP systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Material Planner or similar role in supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of inventory management and procurement processes.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks and prioritizing effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage timely procurement of materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast material requirements.
• Monitor and optimize inventory levels.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant professional qualifications or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

Material management software

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

Who We Are

At TR, part of Trifast plc, we’re more than fasteners—we’re the trusted partner behind some of the world’s most advanced industries. As a global leader in the design, engineering, manufacture, and supply of fastenings and Category ‘C’ components, we deliver smart, efficient solutions that enhance performance across major assembly operations.

From Automotive to Smart Infrastructure and Medical Equipment, our focus on engineering excellence and streamlined supply keeps us at the forefront of progress.

We are looking to recruit 3x Material Planners on a permanent basis to join our team based at our Distribution Centre in Walsall (WS2 8DQ).

The Role

A detail-oriented and highly organised Material Planner. The Material Planner will be responsible for ensuring the timely availability of materials required for distribution and other business operations, optimising inventory levels, and contributing to the overall efficiency of our supply chain. This role requires close coordination with various departments, suppliers, and internal teams to meet business needs while maintaining cost efficiency and minimizing excess inventory.

Key tasks include:

• Plan and manage the timely procurement of materials, ensuring that they meet customer schedules, quality standards, and budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate with Sales, procurement, and logistics teams to forecast material requirements based on sales forecasts and historical data.
• Monitor material inventory levels and make recommendations to optimise stock, reducing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Develop and maintain accurate material schedules, ensuring alignment with manufacturing timelines.
• Liaise with suppliers/vendors to ensure the timely delivery of materials and resolve any supply chain issues.
• Analyse inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions to prevent shortages and excess stock.
• Review material shortages, expedite orders, and adjust inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Maintain accurate records of material transactions and forecasts, and generate regular reports on material usage, inventory levels, and procurement status.
• Maintain the gap between cost and sell by identifying opportunity for resourcing and defending requests for price increases
• Working with suppliers transport and internal teams to move product in the most cost effective way avoiding the use of express freight bringing goods in at the lowest landed cost.

The Candidate

We are seeking a service-driven individual with a high level of attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a solid background in material planning. The ideal candidate will have proven experience as a Material Planner or in a similar role within supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing environments. A strong understanding of inventory management, procurement processes, and material planning techniques is essential. Familiarity with ERP systems and material management software is also required. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are key to collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

The successful candidate will possess strong problem-solving abilities and take a proactive approach to managing supply chain disruptions. They must be capable of handling multiple tasks, prioritising effectively, and performing in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting deadlines. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is required, and relevant professional qualifications or equivalent experience will be highly valued.