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- Tasks: Manage supplier performance and ensure material availability for seamless production.
- Company: Join Progress Rail, a leading provider in the global rail industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive team committed to excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in supply chain management while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain functions and strong ERP/MRP system knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you a Material Planner with experience managing supplier performance and material availability? Progress Rail Services UK is seeking a Material Planner to work closely with suppliers to ensure planned orders and schedules are executed. The role focuses on resolving supplier-related issues to maintain material availability and support uninterrupted production.
THE ROLE
- Analyse purchase requisitions in line with MRP requirements, converting and managing orders to support production schedules.
- Review and action MRP exception messages, ensuring alignment to production plans and demand changes.
- Calculate and provide accurate lead times and delivery commitments to Production Planning, confirming dates within the ERP system following supplier expediting.
- Collaborate closely with suppliers to coordinate order execution, delivery schedules and shipping plans, actively expediting to ensure on-time delivery.
- Run past-due and backlog reports, implementing recovery actions where supply risks are identified.
- Monitor and manage supplier performance, supporting root-cause analysis and corrective actions relating to delivery or quality issues.
- Manage supplier schedules, including the implementation of engineering changes impacting material supply.
- Control inventory to maintain acceptable WIP and stock levels, improving point-of-use material availability through continuous improvement activities.
- Escalate material supply risks and constraints that impact the production schedule through daily planning forums.
THE CANDIDATE
- Experience within supply chain functions such as Material Planning, Production Planning, Logistics or Supply Chain Administration.
- Proven ability to use ERP/MRP systems to support materials, inventory and supplier-related planning activities, alongside strong Microsoft Office skills.
- Working knowledge of supply chain principles and how key functional relationships interact to support production.
- Experience with supplier replenishment strategies, materials planning and inventory control processes.
- Evidence of a disciplined, structured approach to working with suppliers to support short-, medium- and long-term planning requirements.
- Ability to manage complexity, balance competing priorities and resolve conflicts in a fast-moving operational environment.
- Proven problem-solving capability, with experience identifying issues and implementing practical, effective solutions.
- Experience creating and maintaining standard work, processes or audit documentation, with strong attention to detail.
- Highly organised, tenacious and methodical, with strong planning and prioritisation skills.
- Clear and effective communicator, able to work confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
BENEFITS
- Competitive salary + company bonus
- Tailored training and development, including company-funded external qualifications where relevant
- Generous pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
- Life assurance at 3.5× your salary
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
- Discounted gym membership – up to 25% off at 4,000+ UK gyms
- Fuel card savings of 2–3p per litre at 3,500 stations, including BP, Esso and Shell
- Employee recognition schemes celebrating great work
- 33 days' holiday per year (inclusive of bank/public holidays)
ABOUT PROGRESS RAIL
Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signalling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail's deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.
PROGRESS RAIL VALUES
- Integrity – the power of honesty
- Excellence – the power of quality
- Teamwork – the power of working together
- Commitment – the power of responsibility
- Sustainability – the power of endurance
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this role, please click on the link provided. If you would like any further information about this vacancy before applying, please feel free to contact Taher Rahman at our Sandiacre site. We would politely request no agencies please.
Material Planner employer: Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
Contact Detail:
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Material Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Material Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with MRP systems and supplier management to show us you're the perfect fit for the Material Planner role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled supplier-related issues or improved material availability in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give us a glimpse of your problem-solving capabilities. Mention any challenges you've faced in supply chain management and how you resolved them effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
✨Know Your MRP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of MRP systems before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these systems in past roles, especially in managing supplier performance and material availability.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled supplier-related issues in the past. Highlight specific situations where you identified problems and implemented effective solutions to ensure uninterrupted production.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Material Planner, you'll need to work with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex supply chain principles or your approach to managing competing priorities.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to share how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised, as this role requires a highly structured approach to planning and inventory control.