Materials Planning Manager jobs
The need to keep materials coming into the factory in any production enterprise is clearly an essential element in the success of the business. But the way they are ordered is essential for the profitability of the company. Routinely order too much too soon and the need for larger, more expensive stock rooms or hoppers will be required. Unfortunately this is the default for many companies who subscribe to the bird in the hand way for thinking. They might not realise how poor planning is eating into their profitability.
The materials planning manager will be in charge of a company’s, or a single production line’s, incoming materials. He or she will need to find the optimum level of materials purchase and ensure that it arrives as close to the time of need as possible to make best use of storage space. The job will also be a link between the demand-side elements – customers and later stages of the production chain – and the suppliers of materials and components essential for productivity.
The planning manager will need to feed changes in demand through to the suppliers in a timely manner to ensure continued production. At the very least, this will mean ensuring there is a supply of materials, but wherever possible it will mean calculating the optimum way of getting the materials in terms of delivery loads, storage costs and staffing needs.
The skills required
The key skill of the materials planner will be the ability to understand data from a variety of sources and to act upon it in the company’s and the customers’ best interests. Typical sources will be sales teams, customer order information and regular ongoing productivity data, but there could be some degree of analysis or liaison with forecasters to predict future trends, peaks or troughs that will need to be converted into materials orders from the suppliers.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills will help with the job too. There will be as much understanding of these diverse sources of information as there is explanation to the relevant parties. When orders are complex or liable to change, it is vital that communication channels are kept open and accurate.
Materials Planning Manager Jobs in East Anglia
Situated on the North Sea, East Anglia is a region that includes counties like Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, as well as the city of Peterborough.
Up until the 17th century, most of the region was marshland. A network of river diversions and drainage systems built in the 1600s allowed the area to be converted to arable land and the population began to increase.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, East Anglia was known for its textile production, but much of this industry moved north to the Midlands during the 18th and 19th centuries.
One of the most famous institutions in the region is the University of Cambridge, which is one of the world's oldest educational establishments. A near-by cluster of tech businesses - the so-called Silicon Fen - comprises a number of start-up companies, most of which can be linked to the university.
Much of East Anglia's economy is based in agriculture and food production and offers a broad range of opportunities for those seeking Materials Planning Manager vacancies.
Colman's mustard is manufactured in the region, as is Robinsons squash. A Bernard Matthews turkey farm is located near Weston Longville and Aunt Bessie's roast potatoes are made in Westwick. Meanwhile, Premier Foods manufactures Hartley's Jam, Smash instant potatoes and Rose's Marmalade. In addition, Bird's Eye has two factories in the region.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
Cast UK is growing in the UK logistics, procurement and supply chain recruitment industry, partly because these are the only sectors we deal with. People approach us for many reasons, whether seeking more job fulfilment or simply relocating with the family, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide.
Our founder members and consultants all come from these sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. As we only deal with these fields, many employers come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the ideal position for you.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Materials Planning Manager for your business or find you a job as a Materials Planning Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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