At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage materials planning to ensure timely delivery for engineering builds and new product introductions.
- Company: Join IonQ, the leader in quantum computing innovation.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, work with industry leaders, and be part of a groundbreaking team.
- Other info: Collaborative workplace in Oxford with a focus on cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Shape the future of quantum technology while enhancing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in materials planning, strong MRP knowledge, and experience with ERP systems.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
About IonQ: IonQ, Inc. is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance. Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.
Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Travel: Up to 10%, International
The Role: We are looking for a Senior Materials Planner to join our Supply Chain and Inventory team in Oxford. You would be working closely with engineering, manufacturing and procurement to make sure the right parts arrive when the build needs them. Our engineering builds and New Product Introduction programmes move at the pace of the parts that arrive. When a single long lead item slips, a build slot sits idle and the schedule behind it shifts. Today the picture of what is on order, what is late and what that does to the next build lives in several places at once, across MRP data, vendor conversations and spreadsheets. Nobody owns the whole picture, and that is the job. You will run system level materials planning from MRP data, turning forecast into a build schedule people can rely on. You will source and negotiate with vendors, raise purchase requisitions and chase deliveries that are drifting. A good deal of this role is telling people early that a date has moved. This is an in office role in Oxford, five days a week. Materials planning here depends on being close to the builds, the stores and the people running them.
Responsibilities: In this position, you will have the opportunity to improve material availability, accelerate production timelines and strengthen supply chain reliability across engineering and NPI programmes. Your key responsibilities can be split into two categories:
- Planning and scheduling
- Execute system level materials planning from MRP data to support engineering builds and NPI schedules
- Publish and maintain daily and weekly build schedules from forecast analysis and material availability
- Monitor, report and resolve material shortages, discrepancies and constraints before they stop a build
- Manage production work orders and report on material readiness and build progress
- Vendor and supply
- Source and negotiate with vendors, including obtaining quotes and agreeing lead times
- Raise purchase requisitions and expedite deliveries that are slipping
- Act as the point of contact between vendors and the internal teams waiting on parts
- Work across engineering, manufacturing and procurement to clear blockers on critical builds
Requirements: To be successful, you will need five or more years of materials planning in a manufacturing environment with multi level bills of materials, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. You will have a working command of MRP across planning, purchasing, inventory and manufacturing operations, hands on experience with ERP and PLM systems, and the confidence to analyse large sets of data and act on what they tell you. You will need to lead cross functional work, speak plainly to vendors and internal teams alike, and operate with urgency in an environment where priorities move.
You'd be a great fit with:
- Experience with NetSuite (Oracle)
- Experience with Power BI
- Experience with Google Workspace
- A relevant certification such as CIPS, CILT, APICS CPIM or CSCP
- Project management experience
Benefits: Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing. Opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders.
Senior Materials Planner in Oxford employer: IonQ
IonQ is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of Oxford, UK. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer stock options, private medical and dental insurance, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally in a fast-paced tech environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Materials Planner in Oxford
✨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 IonQ, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Materials Planner in Oxford
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 IonQ 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 IonQ
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with IonQ, 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 IonQ 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.
