Materials Planner in Kettering

Are you an experienced Materials Planner looking to join a forward-thinking FMCG business where you can make a real impact? We are recruiting for a Materials Planner to play a key role in ensuring the seamless supply of raw materials to support production, customer demand, and business growth.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established manufacturer that is investing in its people, processes, and technology, with a strong focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and future-ready supply chain planning.

The Role

As Materials Planner, you will be responsible for ensuring the timely availability of raw materials, balancing service levels, inventory targets, and supplier performance. Working closely with Production Planning, Procurement, Quality, and Commercial teams, you will help maintain operational excellence while supporting strategic supply chain initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure continuous availability of raw materials to support production schedules and customer commitments.
• Convert demand plans into accurate supplier purchase orders, considering lead times, service agreements, minimum order quantities, and inventory targets.
• Manage rolling operational and medium-term forecasts across multiple material categories.
• Monitor stock levels and proactively adjust supply plans to minimise shortages, excess stock, and obsolescence.
• Measure and review supplier performance through key metrics, driving improvements where required.
• Maintain inventory policies and support effective stock management practices.
• Manage raw material risk reporting, including shortages, ageing stock, and write-off exposure.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to manage production plan changes and minimise operational disruption.
• Support new product introductions, packaging changes, and product discontinuations, ensuring material availability and supplier readiness.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, supply chain optimisation projects, and the adoption of advanced planning technologies.

About You

We're looking for a proactive and analytical supply chain professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working collaboratively across multiple functions.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience in Materials Planning, Supply Planning, Inventory Management, or a similar supply chain role.
• Experience working within FMCG, manufacturing, food production, or another fast-moving operational environment.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret and act on data.
• Knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, supplier management processes, and inventory control principles.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a continuous improvement mindset.

Desirable Experience

• Exposure to AI-enabled forecasting, predictive analytics, or advanced planning tools.
• Experience with Lean methodologies, waste reduction initiatives, or process improvement projects.
• Understanding of S&OP/SIOP planning processes.
• Knowledge of modern supply chain technologies and digital planning trends.
• Experience supporting organisations through growth, transformation, or supply chain change programmes.

What's on Offer?

• Hybrid working model with three days per week on-site.
• Opportunity to join a collaborative and inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Exposure to strategic supply chain projects and digital transformation initiatives.
• Career development opportunities within a growing and evolving business.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine operational planning expertise with strategic supply chain development, we'd love to hear from you.