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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, bonuses, tailored training, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the rail sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain roles and strong ERP/MRP skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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 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
Contact Detail:
Progress Rail 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 supply chain industry, especially those who might know someone at Progress Rail. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your ERP/MRP knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled supplier performance issues in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed complex supply chain challenges before. We love candidates who can juggle multiple priorities and still deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Progress Rail team.
We think you need these skills to ace Material Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in material planning and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in supply chain management. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to resolve issues effectively, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your experience and skills, as we appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Rail
✨Know Your MRP Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with MRP systems and how they work. Brush up on your knowledge of how to analyse purchase requisitions and manage orders, as this will likely come up in the interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used these systems in past roles will show your expertise.
✨Supplier Collaboration is Key
Prepare to talk about your experience working closely with suppliers. Think of examples where you’ve resolved supplier-related issues or improved delivery schedules. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels will demonstrate your teamwork skills.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you’ve faced in material planning and how you tackled them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you convey your problem-solving capabilities clearly and effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong planning and prioritisation skills, prepare to share how you manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised, and be sure to mention any continuous improvement activities you've implemented.
