Job Title: Senior Material Planner Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM 5:00 PM (40 hours/week) Salary: £38,000 £42,000 per annum, depending on experience (This role is based on site) Overview A well-established manufacturing business in Thirsk is looking for a Senior Material Planner to join its close-knit supply chain team. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will play a key role in leading material planning activity across the site. This is a senior-level position within a small team of two, offering autonomy and ownership of material flow, supplier coordination, and inventory optimisation. This role is ideal for an experienced planner ready to take a lead position in a dynamic, hands-on environment. Key Responsibilities Manage and reschedule open purchase orders in line with production requirements Optimise purchasing parameters (transport, MOQs, firm windows) Support new product development by sourcing materials and coordinating with R&D and project teams Oversee supplier relationships, including onboarding, performance tracking, and ongoing collaboration Take ownership of inventory accuracy and stock value performance Use purchasing and sales history to improve planning accuracy Support site-wide inventory strategies for new, existing, and phased-out products Work closely with production planners to align materials with forecasts Identify and mitigate supply risks proactively Optimise inbound logistics and transport utilisation Drive productivity improvements through tighter MRP controls Establish and maintain Kanban levels at production cells Collaborate with warehouse supervisors on inventory holding levels Attend daily logistics meetings to ensure alignment of priorities What We're Looking For Experience : 35 years in material planning / production / operations Leadership : Comfortable working independently and guiding a small team or assistant planner Systems : Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Sage) and strong Excel skills Supply Chain Knowledge : Strong grasp of BOMs, lead times, inventory strategies, and lean methodologies Analytical Mindset : Confident using data to make informed decisions Communication : Able to liaise across departments and negotiate with suppliers effectively Salary between £38,000 – £42,000, depending on experience 28 days holiday including bank holidays Monday–Friday daytime hours A hands-on senior role within a small, collaborative team Stability and ownership in a growing manufacturing business