Materials Planner

About the role

The Materials Planner ensures timely availability of raw materials to support production and meet customer commitments in the UK FMCG sector. The role combines day‑to‑day operational tasks with strategic initiatives, using data insights, supplier relationships and advanced planning tools to drive efficiency, minimise waste and achieve performance targets.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain continuous raw‑material availability to meet production plans and avoid stock‑outs.
• Translate demand forecasts into accurate supplier orders, respecting 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 meet inventory targets and reduce obsolescence.
• Evaluate supplier performance (OTIF, lead time, responsiveness) and drive improvements.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date Raw Materials Inventory Policy and control write‑offs with clear risk escalation.
• Report on raw‑material shortage risks and aged/write‑off stock.
• Collaborate with Production Planners, Procurement, Quality, Technical, Pack Change, Innovation and Commercial teams to manage plan changes, supplier issues and product lifecycle data.
• Support AI‑enabled forecasting, continuous improvement of material flow and scenario‑planning activities.

Required profile

• Experience in raw‑materials planning, supply planning or inventory management within FMCG or a similarly fast‑changing sector.
• Strong analytical, numerical and data‑interpretation abilities.

Required skills