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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure smooth material flow in food manufacturing.
- Company: Join a major player in the UK's food manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative environment with career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain planning and strong Excel skills required.
- Other info: 1 day WFH flexibility and a supportive, people-focused culture.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 £ per year.
Salary: £40,000 - £42,000
Bonus: Up to 10% + private healthcare + extensive benefits package
Location: London (site-based with 1 day WFH flexibility)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
At The Collective Network, we're working on behalf of a major player in the UK's food manufacturing industry to recruit a Lead Materials Planner for one of their key London sites. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast-paced and innovative operation that values drive, collaboration and long-term career growth.
The Role
As the Lead Materials Planner, you'll be the heartbeat of the materials planning function - leading a small team and ensuring seamless material flow to support complex manufacturing operations. This is a high-impact role within a multi-factory site that produces a wide range of chilled food products for major UK retailers. You'll report directly into the Materials Planning Manager and play a key role in delivering the supply chain strategy, improving efficiency, and reducing waste while maintaining high operational standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a small team of materials schedulers
- Manage the site MRP system and liaise with finance, commercial, and operations
- Create and adjust materials plans based on stock levels, forecasts, and usage
- Collaborate with procurement, planning, warehousing, and technical teams
- Monitor supplier performance and service levels
- Manage stock value and ensure it remains within target
- Provide accurate materials reporting and flag risks proactively
- Ensure consistent communication across planning and operations teams
About You
- Experienced in supply chain/materials planning within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Skilled in leading small teams and driving performance
- Proficient in Excel and capable of managing data with precision
- A confident communicator with strong relationship-building skills
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and solution-focused
What's On Offer
- Annual bonus scheme (up to 10%)
- Private medical cover
- Life assurance (2.5x salary)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Stakeholder pension scheme
- Staff discount schemes
- Voluntary benefits including dental, hospital cash plans & car lease scheme
- Free on-site parking and employee assistance programme
- Career development support and wellbeing initiatives
Interested? This is your chance to join a thriving, people-focused organisation at the forefront of the UK's fresh food sector. If you're ready to make a real impact in a senior planning role, we'd love to hear from you. Apply via The Collective Network today and take the next step in your career.
Lead Material Planner employer: The Collective Network Limited
Contact Detail:
The Collective Network Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Material Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific materials planning software and MRP systems commonly used in the food manufacturing industry. Being able to discuss your experience or knowledge of these systems during your interview will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you motivated your team and improved performance, as this is a key aspect of the Lead Materials Planner position.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s supply chain strategy and recent developments in the food manufacturing sector. This knowledge will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to managing stock levels and supplier performance. Think of specific instances where you successfully reduced waste or improved efficiency, as these are critical responsibilities for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Material Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain and materials planning. Emphasise your leadership skills and any achievements in improving efficiency or reducing waste.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the food manufacturing industry. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed materials planning in fast-paced environments.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in Excel and data management. Also, mention your strong communication and relationship-building skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities: Provide examples in your application of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This could include managing stock levels or improving supplier performance, which are key responsibilities for the Lead Materials Planner.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Collective Network Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Materials Planner, you'll be leading a small team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and foster collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Your Supply Chain Knowledge
Make sure you understand the key aspects of supply chain management, especially in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Be ready to discuss your experience with MRP systems and how you've used data to create and adjust materials plans effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges. Think of scenarios where you've had to monitor supplier performance or manage stock levels, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Strong communication is crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've maintained consistent communication across different teams, such as procurement and operations. Share examples of how you've built relationships and resolved conflicts to ensure smooth operations.
