Senior materials Planner

Job Title: Senior Materials Planner Department: Purchasing

Reports To: Materials Manager  

Bordon

8.30 - 5.30 Monday - Thursday

8.30 - 12.30 Friday

Summary:

My client has over 50 years' experience in the design and manufacture of switch mode AC/DC and DC/DC power supplies for use in harsh and demanding military and industrial environments. Other high reliability products include uninterruptible power supplies, battery backup and conditioning as well as PoE power solutions.

Offering custom, semi-custom and standard COTS (commercial off the shelf) power supplies and converters, they offer complete power solutions from early conceptual design, using the latest circuit simulation and 3D design tools, to product manufacturing and in service support.

They are experts in electronic and mechanical design with a reputation for quality and field proven reliability.

Description:

Working in the purchasing department of this manufacturing organisation; the Senior Materials Planner plays a critical role in ensuring that the right materials are available at the right time to support production needs, optimize inventory levels, and maintain cost efficiency.

This role involves analyzing demand forecasts, coordinating with suppliers, monitoring stock levels, and managing logistics to support seamless production flow and prevent material shortages or excesses.

Responsibilities:

Evaluate and Forecast Material Requirements:

• Manages the execution of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) to ensure the

accurate planning and availability of materials needed for production.

• Analyzes MRP error reports and material analysis reports to identify issues that

require attention to improve alignment of demand and supply.

• Ensures item planning parameters (e.g., safety stock levels, reorder points, lead

times) are configured correctly within the system to maintain a smooth production

flow.

• Works closely with procurement, warehouse, and production teams to resolve any

material shortages or surpluses based on MRP output.

Inventory Management:

• Monitors inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished

goods to ensure availability while minimizing excess.

• Works with the procurement team to schedule and manage material requirements,

ensuring alignment with the MRP and master production schedule.

Supplier Management:

• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and

assess their performance.

• Coordinate shipments from Far Eastern suppliers, arranging sea / air shipments

according to business needs.

Production Planning:

• Assist with the development & management of the master production schedule (MPS)

based on demand forecasts, customer orders, and inventory levels.

Data Analysis and Forecasting:

• Analyses production data, demand patterns, and inventory levels to develop accurate

forecasts and schedules.

• Uses software tools such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to plan

and track production activities and manage the MRP process.

Coordination and Communication:

• Collaborates with production, procurement, logistics, and sales teams to ensure that

all departments are aligned with the production schedule.

• Communicates any changes, delays, or issues affecting the schedule or materials to

stakeholders promptly.

Additional Responsibilities

• Continuously reviews and updates scheduling and MRP processes to improve

efficiency and responsiveness.

• Works with the production team to implement lean manufacturing principles and other best practices for optimizing the production schedule and material flow.

Ensuring Purchasing systems are accurate, and procedures are adhered to.

Any other general administration duties to cover colleagues’ holiday / changing needs of the business.

Education / Experience / Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or

related field.

CIPS level 4 qualification.

5+ years of experience in materials planning, supply chain management, or inventory control within a manufacturing or production environment.

Proficiency in ERP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or similar) and experience using data

analysis and forecasting tools to support planning accuracy and inventory management.

Strong knowledge of supply chain principles, lean manufacturing, and inventory optimization.

Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, including negotiating lead times, monitoring performance, and addressing supply disruptions.

Proven track record of problem-solving to prevent or resolve material shortages or excesses.

Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including purchasing, production, and logistics.

Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy in forecasting, inventory management, and reporting.

Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word & Access

Compensation and Benefits:

Hours of Work: 38 per week, 8.30 am to 5.30 pm with half hour lunch break from Monday through Thursday and 8.30 am to 12.30 pm Friday

Pension: Group Stakeholder Pension Scheme. Company’s contribution 5% of basic salary, employee contribution a minimum of 4% of basic salary

Discretionary staff bonus scheme

Group Life Assurance Scheme