Overview
A leading metal manufacturing business is seeking a highly capable Senior Material Planner to oversee material availability, optimise inventory, and ensure seamless production flow across a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment. This role requires strong analytical capability, excellent stakeholder management, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and control.
The Senior Material Planner will play a key part in driving OTIF performance, improving inventory turns, and ensuring that all raw materials, metals, bought‑in components, and consumables are available to support production schedules.
Key Responsibilities
Material Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain material plans aligning with production schedules, capacity plans, and customer demand.
- Ensure the timely availability of raw materials (steel, aluminium, castings, forgings, etc.) and critical components.
- Monitor MRP signals, stock levels, reorder points, and safety stock to maintain optimal inventory.
- Manage short‑ and long‑term material requirements, highlighting shortages or risks early.
- Analyse demand patterns and lead times to refine planning parameters and reduce excess inventory.
Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, resolve issues, and mitigate risks.
- Lead weekly/daily supplier reviews to monitor performance, lead times, and potential bottlenecks.
- Escalate and resolve supply chain issues that threaten production continuity.
- Collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Quality, and Logistics teams to ensure end‑to‑end supply stability.
Inventory & Data Management
- Maintain accurate inventory records and conduct regular stock audits.
- Reduce obsolete/slow-moving materials through proactive planning and root‑cause analysis.
- Analyse MRP data, forecasts, and Bill of Materials to ensure alignment and accuracy.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in planning processes, stock accuracy, and ERP usage.
Problem Solving & Performance Improvement
- Lead root‑cause analysis for material shortages or planning failures.
- Support production meetings with clear updates on shortages and recovery plans.
- Drive improvements in OTIF, supplier performance, and inventory turns.
- Support NPI projects with robust material plans, ensuring all components are available for prototype and launch phases.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Strong experience in material planning within a metal manufacturing, heavy engineering, automotive, or industrial environment.
- Demonstrable experience of working with steel, metal components, castings, or similar materials.
- Advanced understanding of MRP/ERP planning systems (any major system considered).
- Strong Excel capability (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, data analysis).
- Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with tight deadlines.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Lean, Kaizen).
- Understanding of machining, fabrication, welding, or metal processing operations.
- Experience in a senior or lead planner position with mentoring responsibilities.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with strong prioritisation ability.
- Comfortable taking ownership and making decisions in pressurised situations.
- Commercially aware with a proactive, problem‑solving mindset.
- Confident communicator able to challenge, influence, and drive improvements.
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