Material planner

Purpose of this position 

We are looking for a dedicated and proactive Materials Planner to join our team and play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient planning of materials for our production operations. As a standalone Materials Planner, you will be essential in balancing supply with customer demand, maximising operational performance, and supporting cross functional teams to ensure that production targets are met.

Key responsibilities  

• Inventory Control: Proactively monitor and manage inventory levels of raw materials, components, and finished goods to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Conduct regular perpetual inventory counts and and use forecasting tools to anticipate demand, ensuring adequate supply to prevent production delays or shortages.
• Continuously analyse usage patterns and lead times to adjust reorder points and safety stock levels, optimising both space and inventory turnover.
• Demand Forecasting: Collaborate with Manufacturing, Sales, and Customer Service teams to gather and interpret demand forecasts, adjusting material requirements as necessary to meet customer needs.
• Procurement: Ensure timely ordering and availability of materials and components needed for production.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to support consistent material availability and quality. Regularly communicate with suppliers to track material lead times, monitor order progress, and promptly address any potential supply issues. Proactively resolve delays or quality concerns, negotiating adjustments as needed to ensure timely delivery of materials that meet quality standards. Collaborate with suppliers to identify opportunities for lead time reduction, cost savings, and process improvements, fostering long term partnerships that enhance supply reliability.
• Supply Planning: Analyse production capacity and resource requirements, identifying bottlenecks and constraints, and developing plans to overcome potential production delays.
• Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement: Utilise data analytics tools to identify areas for improvement, streamline processes, and reduce costs within the materials planning function.
• Cross functional Communication: Act as a liaison between production, procurement, logistics, and customer service teams to ensure alignment and clarity on production priorities and material needs.
• Technology Utilisation: Use EFACS (ERP) system to manage raw material, track inventory, and improve decision making processes.
• Compliance and Documentation: Maintain accurate records for inventory, schedules, and materials flow, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations
   

Qualifications

You will have a combination of technical qualifications and relevant experience. Preferably, you will have:

• Proven experience in Material planning, scheduling, or operations management, preferably in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in using material planning software and tools (e.g., ERP systems, MRP systems, Excel).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data driven decisions.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate cross functionally and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Problem solving mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Job Function Technical Knowledge and Skills  

• Material Planning Software Proficiency: Extensive experience with material planning tools and software, including ERP and MRP systems, as well as advanced Excel functions. Skilled in leveraging these tools to develop and manage raw material schedules, conduct data analysis, and optimise storage and resource utilisation.
• Supply Chain Management Expertise: In depth knowledge of supply chain management principles, encompassing inventory control, demand forecasting, and procurement processes. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with production planning and manufacturing teams to ensure timely and accurate availability of materials and components essential for production.
• Data Analysis: Proficient in data analysis techniques and tools to interpret production data, identify trends, and make data driven decisions. Ability to generate insights from production performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lean Principles: Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing methodologies, including Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Just in-Time (JIT) production. Skilled in applying these principles to streamline materials planning, reduce waste, optimise inventory levels, and enhance production efficiency. Capable of identifying process improvements that align with lean objectives to support timely and cost-effective material flow throughout the production cycle.
• Technical Acumen: Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, machinery, and equipment essential for material planning. Skilled in assessing technical feasibility and production constraints to develop realistic schedules, optimise material flow, and support effective decision-making in line with operational goals.
• Risk Management and Contingency Planning: Skilled in identifying and managing supply chain risks, including potential material shortages, supplier delays, and production constraints. Proactively develops contingency plans to minimise disruptions, ensuring consistent material availability and smooth production flow.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate to cross functional teams. Ability to build relationships and collaborate with colleagues across departments to achieve departmental goals.
• Problem Solving Skills: Strong problem solving skills with the ability to analyse complex material issues, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions. Ability to think critically and adapt to changing priorities and business needs in a fast paced environment.

Personal Attributes  

• Attention to Detail: Possess strong attention to detail with a meticulous approach to material planning and execution. Ability to accurately assess requirements, analyse data, and identify potential issues to ensure precision in material planning activities.
• Adaptability: Highly flexible and responsive to shifting priorities, evolving business needs, and fast paced production environments. Skilled at staying resilient and composed under pressure, with the ability to adjust raw material requirements and planning strategies to meet changing demands effectively.
• Problem Solving Mindset: Possess a proactive problem solving mindset with a willingness to tackle challenges head on and explore innovative solutions. Ability to think critically, analyse complex issues, and make informed decisions to overcome obstacles and achieve objectives.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and effectively. Ability to communicate complex concepts and ideas to diverse audiences and facilitate productive discussions and collaboration.
• Team Player: Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a cohesive work environment. Ability to foster open communication, build strong relationships, and work collaboratively towards common goals.
• Customer Focus: Committed to understanding and exceeding customer expectations by delivering requirements, and prioritising customer satisfaction in all material planning activities.
• Continuous Learner: Embrace a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Open to feedback, new ideas, and emerging trends in material planning and related fields, with a dedication to staying informed and enhancing skills and knowledge.