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- Tasks: Ensure timely supply of raw materials and optimise stock levels in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a well-known producer of breakfast and snack brands.
- Benefits: Earn £17 - £22 per hour with flexible working hours and hybrid options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production continuity and supplier reliability.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply planning or inventory management, preferably in FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Northamptonshire
Duration: 2-3 months temp assignment
Job status: hybrid working, 3 days a week in office
Working hours: 35h per week/ Monday - Friday, Flexible hours (8am-4pm/9am-5pm/10am-6pm)
Who You’ll Be Working for: Well known producer of breakfast and snack brands.
Purpose: Ensure the timely, cost-effective availability of raw materials to meet production plans and customer demand in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
Main Responsibilities:
- Ensure continuous supply of raw materials to prevent stock-outs and production downtime
- Translate demand into accurate purchase orders aligned to SLAs, lead times, MOQs, and EOQs
- Manage rolling forecasts (12-week operational, 6-month medium-term)
- Monitor and optimise stock levels to minimise waste, aged stock, and write-offs
- Track and improve supplier performance (OTIF, lead time adherence, service)
- Report and manage risks relating to shortages, excess, and obsolescence
Cross-Functional Working:
- Collaborate with Production Planning to manage changes and minimise cost impacts
- Partner with Procurement on supplier performance and escalations
- Support Quality, NPD, and Commercial teams on product changes, launches, and discontinuations
Continuous Improvement & Strategy:
- Use data and analytics to identify risks and improvement opportunities
- Contribute to supply chain optimisation, resilience, and efficiency initiatives
Impact:
- Maintains production continuity
- Improves inventory health and working capital
- Enhances supplier reliability and cost efficiency
The Skills You’ll Need to Succeed:
- Experience in materials/supply planning or inventory management (FMCG preferred)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of planning systems: MRP/ERP and supply chain inventory KPIs
- Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working with an integrated S&OP/SIOP
- Knowledge of digital supply chain trends and FMCG planning practices
Please follow us on LinkedIn: /company/people-first-supply-chain
We would be grateful if you could send your CV as a Word document. If your application is successful, you will be contacted within 7 days. We regret that due to the high volume of applications we receive we cannot provide feedback on individual CVs. Please note that we can only consider candidates who are eligible to work in the UK and are able to provide relevant supporting documentation.
People First is committed to increasing diversity, and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, year of birth, relationship status or whether or not they have a disability.
People First (Recruitment) Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent and fixed term contract recruitment and as an employment business for the supply of temporary workers.
Please note that by applying for this job you accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy which can be found on our website.
Supply Chain Materials Planner employer: People First Recruitment
Contact Detail:
People First Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Materials Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the supply chain industry, especially those who work in FMCG. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and supply chain KPIs. We want you to show off your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, so have some examples ready!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Supply Chain Materials Planner gig. We’re all about making connections, and applying directly can help us see your passion for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Materials Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in supply chain and materials planning. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page about what you bring to the table.
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give examples of how you've used them in past roles. Whether it’s managing stock levels or optimising supplier performance, we want to see how you’ve made an impact!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We love a well-structured application! Keep your language clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at People First Recruitment
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Make sure you brush up on your supply chain knowledge, especially around raw materials and production planning. Familiarise yourself with key terms like MRP/ERP systems and inventory KPIs, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data and analytics to solve problems or improve processes. This role requires strong analytical skills, so be ready to demonstrate how you've applied them in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the FMCG Landscape
Since this position is within the FMCG sector, it’s crucial to understand current trends and challenges in the industry. Research recent developments and think about how they might impact supply chain operations.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about how you’ve worked with other teams, like Production Planning or Procurement. Have examples ready that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively and manage changes while minimising costs.