Materials Planning Manager

TN United Kingdom; Larbert; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Materials Planning Manager to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is pivotal in ensuring timely material delivery, optimising inventory, and fostering strong supplier relationships. Join a company committed to sustainability and innovation, where your contributions will directly impact the future of mobility. With a generous salary package and flexible working options, this opportunity promises a fulfilling career path in a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Generous salary package

Flexible working options

Ongoing employee development

Annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Regular meditation sessions

Qualifications

• Experience in materials planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Degree-qualified with APICS/CIPS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Materials Planning team for optimal performance.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers for reliable material availability.

Skills

Materials Planning

Supply Chain Management

Problem Solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

Degree in relevant field

APICS/CIPS certification

Tools

ERP/MRP Systems

Job description

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We're leading the transition to zero-emission mobility.

Alexander Dennis is a global leader in the design and manufacture of double deck buses and is the UK’s largest bus manufacturer.

At Alexander Dennis, and across NFI and our family of brands, we are helping to save the planet. Through our Sustainability Pledge, which guides our daily actions and long-term planning, we are passionate about creating a better product, a better workplace, and a better world. To learn more about our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) journey check our website. Our diverse, dynamic and resourceful team members embrace challenges every day which makes us the successful international company that we are.

Are you ready to embrace the challenge? Come build the future with us and apply directly to your dream job!

POSITION SUMMARY: We're looking for an experienced Materials Planning Manager to lead our planning team and ensure materials are delivered on time, every time. You’ll play a key role in supporting production across UK and export sites, optimising inventory, and building strong supplier relationships. This is a great opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Lead, coach, and develop the Materials Planning team to drive performance and engagement.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive skills matrix with tailored training and development plans to build team capability and flexibility.
• Deliver accurate weekly and monthly KPI reports to monitor planning effectiveness and ensure process compliance.
• Build and maintain strong, commercially effective relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent and reliable material availability.
• Ensure timely execution of MRP outputs and maintain real-time responsiveness to planning needs.
• Proactively identify and escalate supply gaps, providing clear analysis of root cause, impact, and corrective actions.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with cross-functional site teams to support seamless operations.
• Ensure material schedules and purchase orders are released promptly and followed up with suppliers.
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of data within inventory master records.
• Leverage ERP/MRP system functionality effectively to support planning accuracy and efficiency.
• Support achievement of inventory targets.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support business objectives.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Relevant experience in materials planning/supply chain management within a manufacturing environment
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent); APICS/CIPS preferred
• Strong understanding of MPS, MRP, and ERP systems
• Experience with Lean methodologies (e.g. PFEP); Six Sigma desirable
• Proven leadership and team development capability
• Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organisational skills
• Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Flexible, proactive, and able to work under pressure and outside core hours when required

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM:

• Generous salary package – we reward our people at the level they deserve.
• A 37-hour working week, with flexible working options, giving you that much needed work/life balance.
• Ongoing employee development through a variety of in-house training initiatives along with tuition subsidies for courses at outside institutions.
• Annual leave entitlement which increases with tenure.
• Pension scheme to help you save for the future.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme which offers practical, impartial support on issues impacting your life.
• Cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership, and regular meditation sessions as your health and well-being is important to us.

OUR WHY:

We move people. The world's most precious cargo.

We are driven by our purpose: we move people. Our vision is to lead the evolution of sustainable on-road mass transportation and mobility and our mission is to design, deliver, and support market-leading bus and motor coach solutions that are safe, accessible, efficient, and reliable.

NEXT STEPS:

If this sounds like you, and you’re interested in coming ‘aboard’, then we would love to hear from you. Please complete our online application form and attach your CV!

We care deeply about being inclusive and we encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

If you are an internal applicant, you have a responsibility to inform your current line/department manager and local human resources representative before applying for the role.

Due to the volume of vacancies and applications, we would prefer that you submit your application online. If however, you require an alternative method of applying, please give us call on [phone] or send an email to [emailprotected]