Materials Demand Planner

Proactive Global; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Healthcare

Health benefits

Annual leave

Annual bonus

Hybrid work

Job summary

Proactive Global, recruiting on behalf of an established business in Bedford, seeks an experienced Materials Demand Planner to join the Materials Management team. You will forecast demand, manage inventory levels and ensure key materials are available when required, working closely with Supply Chain, Sales, Operations and Finance.

Hybrid role with Fridays at home after training; salary £35,000–£37,000 per year, plus private healthcare, health benefits and an annual bonus.

Qualifications

• Experience in materials planning or demand planning.
• Strong understanding of inventory management and forecasting.
• Proficient Excel with large datasets.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Proactive in risk identification and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and forecast material requirements to ensure stock availability.
• Analyse inventory data to identify potential shortages and supply chain risks.
• Align stock availability with business demand across Supply Chain, Sales, Operations and Finance.
• Support the Materials Management Lead with reporting and planning updates.
• Use ERP/MRP systems to manage forecasts and support purchasing decisions.
• Prepare cable offers and release purchase orders within agreed service levels.
• Coordinate international container shipments and monitor delivery schedules.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to expedite deliveries when needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes and inventory management.
• Maintain accurate planning data and ensure key actions are followed through.

Skills

Materials planning

Demand planning

Inventory planning

Forecasting

Excel

Supply chain processes

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

We are recruiting on behalf of an established and growing business in Bedford that is looking for an experienced Materials Demand Planner to join its Materials Management team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in demand planning, materials management or supply chain planning who enjoys working with data, solving problems and ensuring the smooth flow of materials across a business.

Working closely with the Supply Chain, Sales, Operations and Finance teams, you will play an important role in forecasting demand, managing inventory levels and ensuring key materials are available when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and forecast material requirements to ensure stock availability.
• Analyse inventory data to identify potential shortages and supply chain risks.
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Sales, Operations and Finance teams to align stock availability with business demand.
• Support the Materials Management Lead with reporting, planning updates and inventory analysis.
• Use ERP/MRP systems to manage forecasts and support purchasing decisions.
• Prepare cable offers and release purchase orders within agreed service levels.
• Coordinate international container shipments and monitor delivery schedules.
• Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to expedite deliveries where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes and inventory management.
• Maintain accurate planning data and ensure key actions are followed through.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in materials planning, demand planning, inventory planning or a similar supply chain role.
• Good understanding of inventory management, forecasting and supply chain processes.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including experience working with large datasets.
• Experience using ERP or MRP systems.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Confident communication skills and the ability to work with multiple departments.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks and improving processes.

Experience within manufacturing, distribution or a materials-focused environment would be advantageous.

What's on Offer?

• Salary: £35,000-£37,000 per annum
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
• Hybrid Working: Work from home on Fridays after completing initial training (approximately three months).
• Private Healthcare: Vitality Healthcare
• Health Benefits: MyMedicash
• Annual Leave: 21 days, increasing by one additional day each year
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• Opportunity to join a supportive team within an established business.

If you have experience in materials or demand planning and are looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.