Lead Material Planner 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

As the Lead Material Planner, you will be responsible for managing and developing a small team of planners, while also being hands-on with day-to-day planning activities. The core focus of the role is to shape and drive the materials planning function - ensuring the right materials are available at the right time, supporting production schedules, and contributing to efficient supply chain operations.

This is a key role in supporting our journey to implement a robust MRP/ERP system and requires someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a proactive mindset and strong data handling capabilities.

• Lead, coach, and develop a small team of material planners to deliver high performance.

• Own and evolve the material planning processes to support production schedules and inventory targets.

• Work cross-functionally with procurement, production, engineering, and logistics to ensure material availability aligns with operational priorities.

• Support the implementation and optimisation of an MRP/ERP system, including data migration, process mapping, and user training.

• Maintain and improve Excel-based planning tools and dashboards where needed, especially during system transition phases.

• Analyse material demand, inventory trends, and supply risks; take proactive steps to mitigate disruptions.

• Develop KPI reporting to monitor planning accuracy, supplier performance, and stock levels.

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and drive continuous improvement in planning and materials management.

• Ensure accuracy of BOMs, part master data, and other key planning inputs in ERP systems.

• Proven experience in a materials planning or supply chain planning role within a manufacturing environment - ideally low volume, high value.

• Previous experience leading or mentoring a small team.

• Demonstrated experience in supporting or leading the implementation of an MRP/ERP system (e.g. SAP, Epicor, Oracle, Infor, etc.).

• Advanced Excel skills - capable of building and maintaining complex spreadsheets for planning, forecasting, and reporting.

• Strong understanding of MRP principles, inventory management, and demand planning.

• Comfortable working with ambiguity and taking initiative to create structure and clarity.

• Excellent communication skills, able to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Highly analytical with attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset.

• Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.

• APICS/CPIM certification or equivalent.

• Experience in engineering or project-based manufacturing environments.

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