Materials Planner Location: Bristol Contract Rate: £24.60 per hour (Inside IR35) Contract Length: 6 Months Play a Key Role in Keeping Rail Projects Moving Are you an experienced materials professional with strong supply chain expertise? This is your chance to join a fast-paced rail project environment where your planning and organisational skills will ensure critical components and materials are available when needed. The Role As a Materials Planner, you’ll be responsible for ensuring optimum material availability for major rail maintenance projects. Using MRP/ERP systems, you’ll plan, track, and manage stock levels, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to keep operations running smoothly. Key Responsibilities • Raise and process purchase order requisitions in line with delegated authority and purchasing procedures. • Place material orders through SAP and maintain accurate BOM trackers daily. • Monitor forward planning needs and ensure orders meet lead times. • Expedite purchases and manage risk items, liaising with project engineers to flag potential issues. • Complete repair/return schedules and coordinate delivery and collection dates with suppliers and stores. • Track stock usage against forecasts, investigate discrepancies, and adjust inventory promptly. • Monitor daily stock order reports and place orders as required. • Resolve invoice queries efficiently and contribute to cost-saving initiatives. • Ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures. Candidate Requirements • Minimum 2 years’ experience in a supply chain or materials management role. • Strong knowledge of purchase order management and BOM maintenance. • Proven ability to liaise with suppliers and manage performance. • Excellent IT skills, including MS Office (Excel essential) and SAP experience. • Familiarity with inventory control techniques (min/max, stock scheduling). • Background in engineering-based purchasing or materials management (rail industry knowledge desirable). • Strong communication skills and ability to work under pressure to meet KPIs