At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead material planning, manage supplier relationships, and optimise inventory in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Thirsk with a close-knit supply chain team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and a stable work-life balance.
- Why this job: Take ownership of material flow and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in material planning, strong leadership, and proficiency in ERP/MRP systems.
- Other info: Enjoy a hands-on role with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (40 hours/week)
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum, depending on experience
This role is based on site.
Overview
A well-established manufacturing business in Thirsk is looking for a Senior Material Planner to join its close-knit supply chain team. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will play a key role in leading material planning activity across the site. This is a senior-level position within a small team of two, offering autonomy and ownership of material flow, supplier coordination, and inventory optimisation. This role is ideal for an experienced planner ready to take a lead position in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and reschedule open purchase orders in line with production requirements
- Support new product development by sourcing materials and coordinating with R&D and project teams
- Oversee supplier relationships, including onboarding, performance tracking, and ongoing collaboration
- Take ownership of inventory accuracy and stock value performance
- Use purchasing and sales history to improve planning accuracy
- Support site-wide inventory strategies for new, existing, and phased-out products
- Work closely with production planners to align materials with forecasts
- Identify and mitigate supply risks proactively
- Optimise inbound logistics and transport utilisation
- Drive productivity improvements through tighter MRP controls
- Establish and maintain Kanban levels at production cells
- Collaborate with warehouse supervisors on inventory holding levels
- Attend daily logistics meetings to ensure alignment of priorities
What We’re Looking For
- Experience: 3-5 years in material planning / production / operations
- Leadership: Comfortable working independently and guiding a small team or assistant planner
- Systems: Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Sage) and strong Excel skills
- Supply Chain Knowledge: Strong grasp of BOMs, lead times, inventory strategies, and lean methodologies
- Analytical Mindset: Confident using data to make informed decisions
- Communication: Able to liaise across departments and negotiate with suppliers effectively
Salary between £38,000 – £42,000, depending on experience
28 days holiday including bank holidays
Monday–Friday daytime hours
A hands-on senior role within a small, collaborative team
Stability and ownership in a growing manufacturing business
Senior Material Planner in Thirsk employer: Candid hire
Contact Detail:
Candid hire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Material Planner in Thirsk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Material Planner role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around inventory optimisation and supplier coordination. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Material Planner, you’ll need to liaise with suppliers effectively. Role-play scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you can communicate your value clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Material Planner in Thirsk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Material Planner role. Highlight your experience in material planning, leadership skills, and any relevant systems you've used. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team in Thirsk. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or improved inventory accuracy in the past.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires an analytical mindset, don’t forget to mention your experience with data-driven decision-making. We love candidates who can use data to optimise processes, so give us some examples of how you've done this before!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Candid hire
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your material planning knowledge, especially around BOMs and inventory strategies. Familiarise yourself with the specific ERP/MRP systems mentioned in the job description, like SAP or Sage, as this will show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves guiding a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully led projects or improved processes, and be ready to share how you can bring that same energy to their team.
✨Be Data-Driven
The company values an analytical mindset, so come armed with examples of how you've used data to make decisions in the past. Whether it's improving planning accuracy or optimising logistics, having concrete examples will demonstrate your capability.
✨Communicate Effectively
This role requires liaising across departments and negotiating with suppliers, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare for questions about how you've handled cross-departmental collaboration and supplier relationships in previous roles.