Lead Material Planner (Packaging)

Lead Material Planner (Packaging)

Full-Time 42000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Henderson Brown Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to ensure packaging materials are available and manage supply risks.
  • Company: Join a leading FMCG business with a dynamic and innovative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work model, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Opportunity to influence packaging supply management across multiple sites.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role within a growing company.
  • Qualifications: Experience in material planning and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.

Location: Northampton (Hybrid, 3 days onsite)

Salary: Up to 42,000 + 5% bonus

The Opportunity

We are supporting a leading FMCG business to recruit a Lead Material Planner (Packaging) into a newly created role, driven by increased complexity, NPD activity, and multi-site operations. This is a hands-on leadership position where you will take ownership of packaging material supply while managing a small team of planners across multiple sites. You will play a key role in ensuring service levels are maintained, supply risks are managed, and packaging availability supports both production and customer demand. Sitting at the centre of procurement, planning, technical and operations, this role offers strong visibility and the opportunity to influence how packaging supply is managed across the business.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate a multi-site team of Material Planners (3 direct reports)
  • Own packaging availability and service level performance across all sites
  • Manage packaging call-offs aligned to production plans and supplier lead times
  • Act as the escalation point for supply issues, driving resolution and continuous improvement
  • Monitor inventory levels and proactively manage risks (shortages, delays, overstock)
  • Communicate delivery schedules across warehouse, planning, and operations teams
  • Maintain accurate data across ERP/MRP systems, including forecasts, pricing, and stock levels

Lead Material Planner (Packaging) employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment

As a Lead Material Planner (Packaging) at our leading FMCG business in Northampton, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and performance bonuses, we offer a unique opportunity to influence packaging supply management while collaborating with a dedicated team across multiple sites. Join us to be part of an innovative environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Henderson Brown Recruitment

Contact Detail:

Henderson Brown Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Material Planner (Packaging)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the FMCG industry, especially those in packaging and supply chain roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their packaging strategies.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and resolved supply issues. This will highlight your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Material Planner (Packaging)

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Supply Chain Management
Inventory Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Data Management
ERP/MRP Systems Proficiency
Forecasting
Risk Management
Continuous Improvement
Multi-Site Coordination
Production Planning
Customer Demand Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Material Planner role. Highlight your experience in managing packaging materials and leading teams, as well as any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in supply chain management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on leadership style and how you can contribute to maintaining service levels and managing supply risks effectively.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight specific examples where you've successfully resolved supply issues or improved processes. This will demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement, which is key for this position.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment

✨Know Your Packaging Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of packaging materials and supply chain processes. Understand the latest trends in FMCG packaging and be ready to discuss how you can apply this knowledge to improve service levels and manage risks effectively.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully led teams in the past, resolved conflicts, and driven continuous improvement in a multi-site environment.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around supply issues and inventory management. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to manage shortages or delays and how you approached those challenges.

✨Demonstrate Your Data Savvy

As the role requires maintaining accurate data across ERP/MRP systems, be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. Highlight any specific software you've used and how you've leveraged data to make informed decisions in your previous roles.

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