Material Planner (New Joint Venture)

About the role

As a Material Planner at 3M's Skelmersdale manufacturing site, you will ensure the timely and efficient supply of materials from external suppliers to support production and business requirements. You will work closely with quality, engineering, manufacturing, logistics and suppliers to maintain continuity of supply while optimizing inventory and service levels.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and manage inbound material supply to meet production schedules and customer demand.
• Place, monitor and maintain purchase orders or supplier schedules in line with demand requirements.
• Ensure materials are delivered on time and in the correct quantities.
• Proactively identify and escalate material shortages, late deliveries and supply risks.
• Challenge suppliers on overdue orders, missed delivery dates and poor delivery performance.
• Work with suppliers to improve lead times, delivery reliability, flexibility and communication.
• Review and challenge high minimum order quantities (MOQs) to align purchases with actual business needs.
• Balance material availability with inventory control to avoid excess and obsolete stock.
• Track key planning parameters such as lead times, safety stock, reorder points and order quantities.
• Collaborate with sourcing/procurement teams on supplier performance and supply improvement actions.
• Support issue resolution related to quality holds, shipment delays, customs/logistics issues and capacity constraints.

Required profile

• Experience managing inbound material supply in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams including quality, engineering, manufacturing and logistics.
• Proactive attitude to identify and address material shortages and supply risks.

Required skills