Material Planner

Overview

A leading automotive manufacturer is seeking a highly organised and proactive Material Planner to manage material availability, maintain optimal inventory levels, and support production demands in a fast‑paced environment. This role requires strong analytical capability, excellent Excel skills, and the ability to work closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure seamless material flow to the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

Material Planning & Scheduling

• Plan, schedule, and control the flow of materials to meet production schedules and customer demand.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels and ensure materials are available on time and in the correct quantities.
• Analyse demand forecasts, production plans, and capacity constraints to create robust material plans.

Supplier Management

• Work closely with suppliers to track orders, escalate issues, and maintain clear communication regarding delivery schedules.
• Manage and resolve supplier shortages, delays, and quality‑related concerns to avoid disruptions.
• Build strong working relationships with key suppliers to improve performance and reliability.

Inventory Control

• Monitor inventory health daily and identify risks relating to excess stock, slow‑moving items, or potential shortages.
• Conduct root‑cause analysis for inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Support cycle counting and annual stock audits.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Use advanced Excel skills to analyse data, monitor KPIs, and produce accurate reports for the Supply Chain and Production teams.
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets for material tracking, stock forecasting, and capacity planning.
• Identify trends and provide recommendations to improve planning accuracy and efficiency.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Liaise with Production, Purchasing, Quality, and Logistics to ensure smooth material flow through the business.
• Attend daily production meetings to provide updates on material status and highlight potential risks.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience as a Material Planner, Production Planner, or Supply Chain Coordinator within automotive or high‑volume manufacturing.
• Strong Excel capability (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, formulas, data manipulation, reporting, etc.).
• Able to work under pressure in a fast‑paced, short‑lead‑time environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and a proactive approach to risk management.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• Experience with planning tools or MRP/ERP systems (no specific system required).