Senior Material Planner - Automotive Supply Chain Leader

Lotus Cars; Norwich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays

Performance Bonus

Future-Proof Pension

Private Healthcare

Job summary

Lotus Cars is seeking an experienced Senior Material Planner to join our Hethel-based Material Control team in Norfolk. You will ensure material availability, manage supplier schedules and resolve supply challenges to keep production on track.

You’ll lead Material Planners, collaborate with Purchasing, SQA, Logistics and Engineering, and balance inventory with working capital priorities in a fast-paced automotive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of ERP and MRP systems and processes.
• Good understanding of BoM structures.
• Knowledge of procurement practices and commercial awareness.
• Understanding of supply and demand planning and S&OP.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve material planning challenges.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proactive issue resolution.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and follow-through.
• Confident communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, customer-focused approach with systems thinking.

Responsibilities

• Support the Material Planning Team Supervisor in day-to-day management of material planning activities.
• Oversee creation and management of supplier material schedules to ensure timely material arrivals and correct quantities.
• Manage and support Material Planners to ensure adherence to delivery schedules.
• Monitor supplier capacity and bottlenecks to maintain material continuity.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, SQA, Logistics, Material Handling and suppliers on material requirements.
• Balance inventory levels to support production while managing working capital.
• Liaise with suppliers on production volumes, shipping schedules and delivery arrangements.
• Identify and resolve potential supply issues to minimise downtime.
• Review and adjust supplier schedules to improve performance.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Skills

ERP & MRP knowledge

BoM understanding

Procurement awareness

S&OP understanding

multi-priority management

analytical problem solving

attention to detail

stakeholder communication

systems thinking

Tools

ERP software

MRP systems

Job description

Lotus Cars is seeking an experienced Senior Material Planner to join our Hethel-based Material Control team in Norfolk. You will ensure material availability, manage supplier schedules and resolve supply challenges to keep production on track.

You’ll lead Material Planners, collaborate with Purchasing, SQA, Logistics and Engineering, and balance inventory with working capital priorities in a fast-paced automotive environment.