Senior Materials Planner

Senior Materials Planner

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
JCB

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead supply chain activities and manage inventory for a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join JCB Power Systems, a leader in innovative engineering and manufacturing.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, onsite gym, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with opportunities for growth.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in supply chain leadership, strong Excel and SAP skills.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

We’re looking for a driven and experienced Senior Material Planner to join our team at JCB Power Systems. This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all Planning and Supply Chain activities across the Business Unit. With responsibility for managing 3PL receiving operations, a supply base of over 350 suppliers across all continents, and over 14,000 part numbers across four production lines, this role is central to ensuring operational excellence and material availability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What does this role involve day to day?

  • Managing business inventory targets
  • Leading departmental resources to meet both strategic and operational objectives
  • Managing third-party logistics providers and driving continuous improvement
  • Developing early warning systems to protect key performance indicators (POF KPIs)
  • Driving initiatives to improve material availability across internal and external supply chains
  • Building long-term supplier relationships and promoting best practices
  • Managing premium freight and transport spend
  • Ensuring daily production build requirements are met
  • Maintaining and improving KPIs related to the Materials Department
  • Ensuring compliance with company safety policies
  • Implementing effective processes and systems for routine materials planning
  • Leading the material planning and expediting team across a broad supply base
  • Overseeing SAP transactional performance, including parked invoices

This will be suited to you if...

  • You have at least 3 years’ experience in a leadership role within a supply chain or manufacturing environment
  • You possess strong Excel and data management skills, with a solid understanding of SAP, particularly in Release & Follow-Up processes and inventory management
  • You’re commercially aware and able to anticipate challenges before they arise
  • You’re a lateral thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
  • You’re a team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work across all levels of the organisation
  • You’re passionate about driving performance, improving processes, and delivering results in a dynamic environment

What’s in it for you?

This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in-house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.

We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email recruitment@jcb.com, and a member of the team will be in touch.

Recruitment Agencies: JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.

Senior Materials Planner employer: JCB

At JCB, we pride ourselves on being a world-class, family-owned business that truly values its employees. As a Telematics Product Owner, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and personal growth, supported by competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like an onsite gym and ULEV car scheme. Join us in our commitment to excellence and be part of a team that is shaping the future of connected technology in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

JCB

Contact Details:

JCB Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Materials 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 JCB, 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

Leadership Skills
Supply Chain Management
Inventory Management
Third-Party Logistics Management
Continuous Improvement
KPI Development
Supplier Relationship Management

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 JCB 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 JCB

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with JCB, 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 JCB 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.