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 a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced role while collaborating with innovative teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply planning or inventory management, strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 β¬ 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
- Continued investment in your personal development
- 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
Materials Planner - Burton Latimer in Heath employer: The Weetabix Food Company
At Weetabix, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered. Located in Burton Latimer, our hybrid working model promotes collaboration and flexibility, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you have ample opportunities for growth. With competitive benefits, including a double-matched pension scheme and enhanced family leave, Weetabix is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Materials Planner - Burton Latimer in Heath
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the job. Confidence is key, so the more you practice, the better you'll perform!
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Planner - Burton Latimer in Heath
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for 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 fit into our team!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical and numerical skills, donβt shy away from showcasing specific examples where you've used data insights to drive decisions. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into actionable plans!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, youβll find all the info you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Weetabix Food Company
β¨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Materials Planner. Familiarise yourself with terms like SLAs, MOQs, and EOQs. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also have a solid grasp of what it entails.
β¨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since strong analytical and numerical skills are crucial for this position, prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data to solve problems or improve processes. Bring along any relevant metrics or outcomes to back up your claims.
β¨Demonstrate Collaboration
Weetabix values cross-functional collaboration, so be ready to share experiences where you've worked with different teams. Highlight how you managed competing priorities and ensured smooth communication between departments.
β¨Be Future-Focused
With the emphasis on AI-enabled forecasting and continuous improvement, think about how you can contribute to these areas. Prepare to discuss any experience you have with predictive analytics or process optimisation, and express your enthusiasm for embracing new technologies.