
Material Planner
- Sheffield
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Develop, maintain, and communicate accurate supplier schedules in line with the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and customer demand.
- Confirm supplier order acknowledgements and delivery commitments; escalate delays and risks.
- Ensure suppliers have the capacity, resources, and lead-time alignment to meet demand.
- Maintain accurate MRP/ERP data and adjust when required to reflect changing requirements.
- Proactively expedite overdue and critical materials to support production continuity.
- Monitor supplier delivery performance (OTIF) and maintain accurate records of deviations.
- Initiate and manage supplier recovery plans when risks to supply are identified.
- Act as the primary day-to-day contact for suppliers on scheduling, delivery, and escalation issues.
- Balance material availability with inventory targets to minimise excess stock and working capital.
- Analyse customer forecasts and production demand to assess potential supplier impacts.
- Apply appropriate replenishment methods (MRP, Kanban, shortage lists) to optimise stock levels.
- Participate in supplier performance reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support process improvements in material planning and supplier management.
- Contribute to cross-functional problem-solving, including production and logistics meetings.
- Create and maintain PFEP (Plan for Every Part) to standardise material flow and supply planning.
- Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
- Advanced computer skills including MS Excel.
- Experience with MRP/ERP systems (preferably SAP / Microsoft Dynamics 365).
- CIPS qualification (or actively studying towards CIPS) is desirable.
- Proven experience in material planning or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong supplier management and expediting background.
- Understanding of production processes, BOMs, and inventory control.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence suppliers and stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills; able to manage multiple demands.
- Problem-solving mindset with ability to escalate and resolve issues effectively.
- Buy as you earn (BAYE) share scheme
- Birthday holiday
- Holiday Purchase
- Cycle to work scheme
- Lifestyle Discounts
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health Cash Plan
- Eye Care
- Gym Scheme
- Life assurance
- EV Car Leasing
- Enhanced Parental Leave
- Motor Save Scheme
- Tech Save Scheme
- Our onsite parking includes free electric car charging points