Materials Planner

We are seeking an experienced Materials Planner to manage the end-to-end forecasting of demand as well as execution of the supply plan for designated programme categories, procurement and inventory management. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring optimal inventory levels, timely material availability and effective coordination between suppliers, purchasing and warehousing. This role is responsible for the transactional management of the inbound supply from the point of purchase order to receipt into stock and ongoing maintenance and reporting for matters such as inventory obsolescence and stock shortages. Responsibilities: Demand Planning • Maintain the regional and customer forecasts for designated product categories/subcategories • Review and action exception reports e.g. stock constraints, forecast errors • Work cross-functionally with account managers to validate the demand pipeline Supply Planning • Run weekly Master Production Schedule for designated product categories/subcategories and create PO recommendations aligned to company inventory policy • Place approved POs with suppliers and manage the administration of designated POs to ensure timely shipment / receipt of stock and visibility of inbounds • Work with suppliers and freight forwarders to approve sea freight shipments optimising inbound freight costs • Work with logistics teams to coordinate inbound shipments and maintain excellent system visibility of inbound stock S&OP • Lead relevant S&OP meetings to ensure alignment with account and project teams • Support proceedings with KPI’s input, inventory, constraint scenario planning • Lead the analysis of forecast changes and create/amend master planning rules within the LN ERP system • Be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for forecasting, supply and inventory RFQ and Tendering Process • Lead and manage the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process, ensuring accurate and timely submission of quotes from suppliers • Coordinate the preparation and submission of tenders, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and company policies • Analyse documents and identify key criteria for success • Negotiate terms with suppliers to ensure optimal outcomes for all parties • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices in RFQ and tendering Reporting • Drive KPI reporting and analysis for customer fill rates and supplier performance • Manage accountability for excess and obsolete inventory levels within designated category Logistics • Work with the Inbound Planning Team to ensure accurate visibility and timely booking of stock on to ERP for earliest order fulfilment and availability • Work with inbound freight provider and 3PL to prioritize inbound deliveries and optimize free storage at port System Maintenance • Manage the transition from old to new products and product versions via the maintenance of ERP to ensure the correct products are ordered • Lead the set up and ongoing maintenance of MRP materials planning functionality with the LN ERP system Experience: • 3 or more years working within supply chain • Experience working with ERP Systems – (Desirable but not essential Microsoft Dynamics) • Knowledge of RFQ’s and tendering

Location: Reading, GB

Posted Date: 1/10/2025