Materials & Production Planner (MRP)
Location: Kidderminster (Onsite role)
Salary: £32,000 to £40,000 + excellent benefits
Company: A world leader in Rocket Propulsion Technology
Join a team shaping the future of Aerospace & Defence technology! As a Materials & Production Planner, you'll play a key role in ensuring that every component, material, and process is ready to keep our rocket propulsion programmes firing on all cylinders.
This is a hands‑on role at the heart of our manufacturing operations-balancing material supply, production scheduling, and supplier performance to deliver world‑class quality on time and on budget.
What You'll Do - Materials & Production Planner (MRP)
- Run and maintain the MRP system to ensure materials and parts are available to meet production schedules.
- Plan and procure raw materials, components, and consumables in line with build plans and lead times.
- Raise and manage purchase orders, track supplier performance, and resolve any shortages or delays.
- Develop and maintain short- and medium-term production schedules, ensuring alignment with the Master Production Plan.
- Keep inventory levels balanced – preventing shortages, reducing waste, and managing obsolescence.
- Maintain MRP data accuracy, including quality assurance and shelf‑life materials.
- Work cross‑functionally with Procurement, Logistics, Quality, and Production teams to keep everything moving smoothly.
- Support stock control activities, reporting on KPIs and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Mentor and support other team members, sharing best practices in planning and materials management.
- Champion continuous improvement to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
About You - Materials & Production Planner (MRP)
- Experienced in materials and/or production planning within a manufacturing environment.
- Skilled in using MRP/ERP systems (Tropos experience a plus).
- Confident managing complex BOMs, long lead times, and multi‑stage processes.
- Highly organised, proactive, and comfortable juggling competing priorities.
- Strong communicator who thrives in a fast‑paced, technical environment.
Qualifications - Materials & Production Planner (MRP)
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (including Maths & English) and a Level 3 qualification (A‑Level or equivalent).
- IT literate with strong Excel and MRP/ERP system skills.
- (Desirable) Vocational qualification such as CIPS, CILT, APICS, IOSCM or equivalent.
Why Join Us
Be part of a company pushing the limits of rocket propulsion. You'll work alongside world‑class engineers, see your planning turn into real‑world launches, and contribute directly to missions that redefine what's possible.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials and Production Planner
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like CBSbutler Ltd., apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to CBSbutler Ltd. specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at CBSbutler Ltd.
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with CBSbutler Ltd., brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like CBSbutler Ltd. value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.