Strategic Material Planner: Inventory & Supplier Excellence in Skelmersdale

As a Material Planner at our Skelmersdale manufacturing site, you will be responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient supply of materials from external suppliers to support production and business requirements. This role manages material availability, monitors supplier performance, expedites late deliveries, and works to reduce supply risk, excess inventory, and high minimum order quantities (MOQs). The Material Planner partners closely with quality, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and suppliers to maintain continuity of supply while optimizing inventory and service levels.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage inbound material supply to meet production schedules and customer demand.
• Place, monitor, and maintain purchase orders or supplier schedules in line with demand requirements.
• Ensure materials are delivered on time and in the correct quantities.
• Proactively identify and expedite material shortages, late deliveries, and supply risks.
• Challenge suppliers on overdue orders, missed delivery dates, and poor delivery performance.
• Work with suppliers to improve lead times, delivery reliability, flexibility, and communication.
• Review and challenge high MOQs to align purchases with actual business needs and inventory targets.
• Balance material availability with inventory control to avoid excess and obsolete stock.
• Track key planning parameters such as lead times, safety stock, reorder points, and order quantities.
• Collaborate with sourcing/procurement teams on supplier performance and supply improvement actions.
• Support issue resolution related to quality holds, shipment delays, customs/logistics issues, and capacity constraints.
• Maintain accurate material planning data in ERP/MRP systems.
• Participate in S&OP, supply reviews, or planning meetings as required.
• Generate and analyse reports on shortages, supplier performance, inventory levels, and past‑due orders.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, supplier responsiveness, and inventory efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in material planning, supply planning, production planning, procurement, or broader supply chain operations.
• Proven experience working with suppliers to manage delivery schedules and resolve supply‑related issues.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment and manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar planning and reporting tools.

Additional Knowledge / Nice‑to‑Have Skills

• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with inventory optimization and supplier performance management.
• Familiarity with lead time reduction, MOQ negotiation support, and supply continuity planning.
• Experience using SAP or similar enterprise systems.

Additional Information

The successful candidate may be employed by 3M prior to closing of the joint venture, with the role expected to transition to the joint venture following completion of the transaction. Role scope and timing are subject to business needs and successful transaction close.

Equal Opportunity Statement

3M is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age or disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable local law.