At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure timely availability of raw materials for production in a dynamic FMCG environment.
- Company: Join Weetabix, a diverse and inclusive company that values every voice.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible work, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with great career growth and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced role while collaborating with innovative teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply planning or inventory management is essential; strong analytical skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Weetabix, we believe that diverse teams drive better ideas, stronger decisions, and a more inclusive workplace for everyone. We're committed to building an organisation where people from all walks of life feel they belong, where different voices, experiences, and backgrounds are valued and respected.
Closing date: Tuesday 19th May
Interview process: Two Stage Process
Working pattern: Hybrid 2/3 Days on-site per week including Weetabix Wednesday, where everyone comes into the office for some great collaboration and meetings - it's a must! While we operate a hybrid working pattern, we are committed to providing flexibility where needed. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process - just let us know how we can support you.
The Materials Planner ensures timely availability of raw materials to help production and customer commitments in the UK FMCG sector. This role blends operational tasks with strategic growth, using data insights, strong supplier relationships, and advanced planning tools to execute projects efficiently, minimise waste, and meet performance targets.
Operational Delivery (Core)- Ensure continuous raw material availability to meet production plans, preventing stock-outs and downtime.
- Convert demand into accurate supplier orders, adhering to SLAs, lead times, MOQs, and EOQs.
- Manage rolling 12-week operational and 6-month medium-term forecasts for all material categories.
- Monitor daily stock levels, adjusting orders to maintain inventory targets and minimise obsolescence.
- Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs (OTIF, lead time, responsiveness), driving improvements through meetings.
- Maintain and aid an up-to-date Raw Materials Inventory Policy.
- Control raw material write-offs with clear risk escalations.
- Own reporting on raw material shortage risks and aged/write-off stock.
- Collaborate with Production Planners to manage plan changes, reducing commercial and operational impacts.
- Coordinate with Procurement on supplier issues, contracts, and strategic sourcing.
- Assist Quality and Technical teams with material issues, audits, and specifications.
- Help with Pack Change, Innovation, and Commercial teams to manage NPD, pack changes, and discontinuations, ensuring supplier alignment and accurate product lifecycle data.
- Work with AI-enabled forecasting by providing accurate data, testing tools, and facilitating change adoption.
- Optimise material flow through continuous improvement, automation, simplification, and better integration with related teams.
- Assist in scenario planning, risk modelling, and resilience strategies to help the organisation scale and respond to external volatility.
- Experience in raw materials planning, supply planning, or inventory management within FMCG or another fast-paced, high-change sector.
- Strong analytical, numerical, and data interpretation skills.
- Knowledge of planning systems (e.g., MRP/ERP), supplier management processes, and inventory KPIs.
- Ability to manage competing priorities with accuracy and urgency.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled forecasting, predictive analytics, or automated planning tools.
- Continuous improvement capability (Lean, waste elimination, process mapping, root-cause techniques).
- Experience working within an integrated S&OP/SIOP environment.
- Knowledge of digital supply chain trends and best-in-class FMCG planning practices.
- Ability to operate effectively in an organisation undergoing growth, transformation, or increased digital maturity.
- Competitive salary & Annual Flexible benefits
- Annual bonus
- Double-matched pension scheme (up to 12% from us)
- 25 days annual leave increasing with service
- Annual Salary review
- Healthcare plan
- Discounted Weetabix products
To support our employees, we also offer:
- Continued investment in your personal development
- We believe in balance, whether it's for family, rest or simply time for you. As well as your holiday entitlement, you can purchase up to 5 days of additional annual leave
- Access to 24/7 counselling service (via Grocery Aid partnership)
- The freedom of Flexible Work Opportunities
- Enhanced Maternity / Paternity / Adoption Leave
- Additional Time Off for Fertility Treatment and Neonatal Care
- Working Parents Support Group
- Fully stocked kitchens filled with our delicious products for you to enjoy
Please note: We benchmark roles based on your skills and experience, so we do not advertise fixed salary ranges. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this position; therefore, we are seeking candidates who do not require sponsorship.
Materials Planner - Burton Latimer in Ellington employer: The Weetabix Food Company
Contact Detail:
The Weetabix Food Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Planner - Burton Latimer in Ellington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Weetabix's social media and website to understand their values and work environment. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience in raw materials planning and supply chain management aligns with what Weetabix is looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've tackled challenges in inventory management or supplier relationships. Weetabix loves proactive thinkers who can adapt to change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Weetabix. This shows your genuine interest and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you too. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Planner - Burton Latimer in Ellington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Materials Planner role. Highlight your experience in raw materials planning and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal – we love getting to know you!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data insights in your previous roles. We’re keen to see how you can apply these skills to optimise our material flow.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Weetabix Food Company
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of raw materials planning and inventory management, especially within the FMCG sector. 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 how you've used data insights in past roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how your analytical skills have helped optimise material flow or improve supplier performance. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the operational delivery aspects of the role.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves cross-functional collaboration, think of examples where you've successfully worked with other teams. Highlight your experience in coordinating with production planners or procurement teams, as this will show that you can effectively manage competing priorities.
✨Embrace Continuous Improvement
Familiarise yourself with concepts like Lean and waste elimination. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented continuous improvement strategies in previous roles. This will resonate well with the company's focus on optimising processes and adapting to change.