Job Description
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 ResponsibilitiesMaterial 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 RequiredEssential
* 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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