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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of planners while managing day-to-day material planning activities.
- Company: Gleeson Recruitment Group values inclusivity and supports diverse backgrounds.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a crucial role in optimising supply chain operations and implementing MRP/ERP systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in materials planning, team leadership, and advanced Excel skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
About You
- 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.
Desirable Qualifications
- Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
- APICS/CPIM certification or equivalent.
- Experience in engineering or project-based manufacturing environments.
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.
Lead Material Planner 12 Month Fixed Term Contract employer: Gleeson Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Gleeson Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Material Planner 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific MRP/ERP systems mentioned in the job description, such as SAP or Oracle. Having a solid understanding of these systems will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored a team in the past. Be ready to discuss your coaching style and how you foster high performance within your team.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in creating complex spreadsheets for planning and reporting. Consider preparing a few examples of how you've used Excel to analyse data or improve processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration. Think of specific instances where you've worked with procurement, production, or logistics to solve problems or streamline processes, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Material Planner 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in materials planning and supply chain management. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held, especially in a manufacturing environment, and showcase your advanced Excel skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're the perfect fit for the Lead Material Planner role. Mention your experience with MRP/ERP systems and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Be sure to convey your proactive mindset and analytical abilities.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your work experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and drive continuous improvement. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact on inventory management and planning accuracy.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about potential interview questions related to your experience with MRP/ERP systems and team leadership. Be ready to discuss how you handle ambiguity and your approach to cross-functional collaboration.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Material Planner, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully coached or developed team members in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Highlight your experience with MRP/ERP systems and advanced Excel skills. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools to improve planning processes and support production schedules.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various departments. Think of examples where you've effectively collaborated with procurement, production, or logistics to ensure material availability and operational efficiency.
✨Emphasise Your Analytical Mindset
The job involves analysing material demand and inventory trends. Be prepared to discuss how you've approached data analysis in previous roles and any proactive steps you've taken to mitigate supply risks.
