Materials Planner

Norton Motorcycles is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, and highly organised Materials Planner to join our Supply Chain team. Working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, you will play a critical role in ensuring materials and components are available to support motorcycle production, maintaining continuity of supply and optimal inventory levels. This position is primarily focused on material planning, with a smaller element of purchasing and supplier coordination. You will work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Logistics, and suppliers to ensure components are delivered on time, engineering changes are effectively managed, and manufacturing operations run smoothly across current motorcycle programmes.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Monitor production schedules against material availability to prevent shortages and minimise the risk of line stoppages.
• Utilise SAP and MRP systems to review planning reports, identify errors or anomalies, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain and validate supplier data and planning parameters within MRP systems, including lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), safety stock levels, and replenishment settings.
• Conduct daily and weekly material coverage reviews to ensure production requirements are met.
• Manage inventory levels in line with production forecasts, build plans, and agreed stock targets.
• Coordinate and monitor inbound logistics activities for production materials, subcontracted components, and aftersales parts.
• Support the Quality team in the management and resolution of rejected or non-conforming materials.
• Carry out stock reconciliations and audits at supplier locations, investigating and resolving discrepancies where required.
• Support inventory optimisation initiatives, including excess stock reduction, obsolescence management, and dilution activities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support engineering changes and ensure smooth material transitions.
• Raise and manage purchase orders for existing motorcycle models in collaboration with Category Buyers and Purchasing Managers.
• Support the implementation of Design Change Notices (DCNs) and ensure material requirements are updated accordingly.
• Communicate production volume requirements and delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalation of supply risks where appropriate.
• Ensure timely closure of supplier invoices and proforma invoices in accordance with agreed payment terms.

Personal Specification

• Previous experience in a Material Planning, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing Planning role.
• Hands‑on experience using SAP and MRP planning systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience working within an automotive, engineering, aerospace, or similarly complex manufacturing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively within a fast‑paced production setting.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external suppliers.
• Good understanding of procurement processes, purchasing terminology, and supplier management principles.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the use of Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis tools.

Desirable Experience/Knowledge

• Experience in material planning, scheduling, or supply chain coordination within a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, Bill of Materials (BOM) structures, and engineering change management.
• Experience coordinating logistics, inbound freight, or warehouse operations.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, inventory optimisation techniques, and root‑cause analysis methodologies.
• Familiarity with supplier performance monitoring and continuous improvement activities.

Rewards of working for Norton

• Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience.
• 33 days holiday (inc. Bank Hols) to relax and recharge.
• Generous pension scheme that sets you up for the future, with access to personalised advice.
• Private Medical Insurance and a Cash Back Programme to keep you feeling your best.
• Life insurance (4x salary) because we've got your back no matter what.
• FREE fruit, got to have your five‑a‑day!
• WeCare Employee Assistance Programme, which includes access to online GP services, dietary advice, mental health support, bereavement counselling, and a fitness programme.
• Experience the thrill of an entrepreneurial environment within a larger, well‑funded company with ambitious long‑term goals.
• Elevate your career with our Ideas for Excellence scheme, where every brilliant idea is not just valued, but also rewarded!
• A diverse and international team that brings together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Join the fun with our twice‑yearly employee events, payday socials, and loads of exciting activities in between!
• Want to go green? You can enjoy free electric bicycle hire.
• Plus, no need to stress about finding a parking spot - we've got on‑site free parking covered and FREE electric charge points.

We know how important it is to take care of our team, and we're committed to continually improving our reward offering in line with the business growth plan. Join us and see for yourself!