Title: Materials & Manufacturing Planner
Salary: Up to £35,000
Working Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30am–5:00pm, Friday 8:30am–2:00pm (37.5 hours)
Location: Thurcaston, Leicester
Join our client’s dynamic Supply Chain Team and take ownership of the core planning activities that keep materials flowing and manufacturing running efficiently. In this role, you will focus on short and midterm materials and production planning, ensuring the right materials are available at the right time and that manufacturing schedules are executed seamlessly. By maintaining accurate inventory levels, releasing manufacturing orders, and aligning closely with suppliers and internal teams, you will play a vital role in minimising disruption, optimising capacity, and supporting exceptional delivery performance.
If you’re passionate about materials planning and driving manufacturing efficiency, apply today!
***Please note this is a fully site based role
The Materials & Manufacturing Planner Role:
* Coordinate and release manufacturing orders, ensuring all required materials are available to support on-time production.
* Provide accurate material availability and inventory insights to Customer Service to support order changes, prioritisation, and demand planning.
* Develop and maintain detailed production schedules that balance operational targets with material constraints, minimising excess stock and reducing waste.
* Monitor capacity and workload across production, identifying bottlenecks and recommending effective solutions.
* Work collaboratively with the Materials Planning team to anticipate supply risks, expedite materials, and resolve delivery challenges impacting manufacturing.
* Review and manage tooling modification requests, protecting production flow and customer delivery commitments.
* Prepare and manage purchase orders for traded goods, raw materials, components, consumables, and subcontract services to ensure consistent material availability.
* Maintain proactive communication with suppliers to confirm order statuses, track inbound materials, and escalate delays when needed.
* Provide Production teams with clear, timely updates on material deliveries to support daily and weekly planning.
* Maintain planning parameters, BOM accuracy, and supplier data within the ERP system to strengthen planning reliability.
* Track and report departmental KPIs to support capacity planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Contribute to contract review meetings by providing material and capacity insights to ensure production commitments are achievable.
* Identify and implement opportunities to refine planning processes, improve workflow, and enhance operational efficiency.
You’ll Need:
* Strong ability to work independently, stay focused under pressure, and deliver results.
* Confident analysing data to support material and production planning decisions. Passion for automation, standardisation, and efficient processes.
* Collaborative approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
* Proactive mindset with a positive, problem-solving attitude.
* Solid knowledge of MRP systems, materials planning, and manufacturing planning processes.
* Strong understanding of inventory control principles. Logical, methodical, and results-driven approach to planning.
* Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
* Desirable: Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related discipline.
* Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
What’s in it for you:
* 33 Days annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
* Training and development opportunities
* Employee Assistance Program/Portal
* Early finish on Fridays
* Discretionary bonus scheme
* Excellent company pension
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