Materials Planning Manager

Samworth Brothers; Leicester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Health and well-being support (health,

Employee discount scheme

Annual pay reviews

Profit related pay

Extended leave opportunities

Free on-site parking

Training and growth opportunities

Job summary

Samworth Brothers is seeking a Raw Materials Manager to lead the planning and supply of materials across a fast-paced manufacturing operation. You will influence stakeholders, manage risks, and balance service, cost and inventory performance.

You will drive national material strategies, develop contingency plans, and lead a team to optimise stock levels and supplier performance while delivering continuous improvement across end-to-end planning processes.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field.
• Professional supply chain qualifications (APICS, CIPS, CPIM, or similar) advantageous.
• Experience leading materials planning in fast-paced manufacturing, ideally FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Lead Raw Materials Planning to ensure timely material availability for production and customer service targets.
• Develop strategies to optimise inventory, minimise waste, and improve working capital.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Demand Planning, Commercial and Logistics to align plans.
• Manage shortages and disruptions with contingency plans to minimise risk.
• Drive continuous improvement across planning processes, systems, reporting and team capability.

Skills

Materials Planning

Supply Planning

Inventory Management

Leadership

Stakeholder Influence

Advanced Analytics

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Supply Chain

Professional supply chain qualifications (APICS, CIPS, CPIM)

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Job description

As Raw Materials Manager, you will lead the planning and supply of raw materials across a complex manufacturing operation, ensuring material availability supports customer service, production performance, and inventory objectives. Working closely with Operations, Procurement, Demand Planning, Commercial, and Logistics teams, you will manage supply risks, optimise stock levels, and drive continuous improvement across the end-to-end supply chain. This role requires a strong people leader who can influence stakeholders across a matrix organisation, navigate ambiguity, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment while balancing service, cost, and inventory performance.,

• Lead the Raw Materials Planning team to ensure the timely availability of materials required to support production and customer service targets.
• Develop and execute material planning strategies that optimise inventory levels, minimise waste, and improve working capital performance.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Demand Planning, Commercial, and Logistics teams to align supply plans with business requirements.
• Manage material shortages, supply disruptions, and changing priorities, implementing effective contingency plans to minimise operational risk.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning processes, systems, reporting, and team capability to enhance overall supply chain performance.
  We believe success comes from collaboration and diverse perspectives. At Samworth Brothers, we value team players who are driven to achieve great results together. You'll bring the following skills and experience:
• Proven experience in a Materials Planning, Supply Planning, Inventory Management, or Raw Materials leadership role within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, ideally FMCG or food manufacturing.
• Strong leadership capability with experience developing and managing high-performing teams through coaching, engagement, and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build credibility across a matrix organisation, effectively managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify risks, and translate insights into effective actions.
• Degree-level qualification in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience. Professional supply chain qualifications (APICS, CIPS, CPIM, or similar) would be advantageous.
  Samworth Brothers is a fourth-generation family business, trusted by many of the UK's best-known retailers to produce high-quality own-label products. Alongside these, we're proud to craft and deliver our own iconic brands, including Ginsters, Soreen, Higgidy, Dickinson & Morris, Urban Eat, West Cornwall Pasty Company, and Walker & Son.
• With over 10,000 talented colleagues working across our modern, well-invested food manufacturing sites nationwide, we're committed to excellence in everything we do-from the food we make to the careers we build. At Samworth Brothers, you're more than just an employee, you are part of our strong family culture. Our collaborative approach and strong team spirit help us support one another and achieve great things together. As part of a well-established group, we offer stability, opportunity, and a place where you can truly thrive. Ready to make a difference? Join us and be part of something special!
• We're building a workplace where different ways of thinking are not just welcomed but supported, with clear communication, flexible processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement so everyone can thrive.
• Company pension scheme Access to health and well-being support, such as healthcare, optical and dental discounts Employee discount scheme Experience annual pay reviews Profit related pay Opportunity for extended leave Free on-site parking Unlock your potential through training and growth opportunities