At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage material flow and ensure smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join JCB, a leader in the manufacturing industry with a focus on employee care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days' holiday, onsite gym, and discounts at retailers.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving continuous improvement and problem-solving.
- Qualifications: Experience in materials planning and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a proactive and highly organised Material Planner to join the JCB Earthmovers team. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth flow of materials into our manufacturing operations, working closely with both internal teams and an international supplier base. This role requires strong planning capability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
What does this role involve day to day?
- Managing Material Requirements Planning (MRP) from an international supply base in line with scheduled production and any changes to the build plan
- Ensuring continuity of supply for all parts required by assembly and manufacturing operations
- Overseeing supplier adherence to schedules and tackling any deviations
- Managing inventory, including maintaining MRP parameters, reviewing stock levels against budget, and ensuring transactional accuracy
- Conducting proactive reviews and driving continuous improvements across suppliers, logistics, transportation, and packaging
- Maintaining performance standards in line with established KPIs
- Leading or supporting problem‑solving activities and process improvement initiatives
This will be suited to you if…
- You have demonstrable experience in materials planning
- You have strong working knowledge of SAP or similar production planning systems
- You’re an excellent communicator and confident working with suppliers and internal teams
- You’re highly PC‑literate and comfortable working with complex data
- You’re organised, detail‑driven, and able to juggle multiple priorities
- You work well to tight deadlines and enjoy finding solutions to problems
- You’re motivated by achieving results and driving continuous improvement
What happens next?
Ordinarily, our Resourcing Team reviews and shortlists CVs. If shortlisted, you’ll speak to one of our Recruiters to discuss the role further. Our interview process usually consists of an initial team’s interview followed by an in-person interview. We’ll keep in touch throughout the process but if you have any questions, please get in touch.
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@, 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.
Material Planner in Stoke-on-Trent employer: JCB
At JCB, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Material Planner, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and access to unique benefits such as an onsite gym, in-house medical services, and a Cycle to Work Scheme, all within a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters continuous improvement and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Material Planner in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at JCB, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Material Planner.
We think you need these skills to ace Material Planner in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at JCB. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research JCB and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at JCB
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at JCB.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by JCB
Look into any unique supply chain challenges JCB might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
