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 Halifax
A minister town in West Yorkshire, located to the south west of Bradford, Halifax is a good choice for those seeking Materials Planning Manager opportunities.
From the 15th century, the town was an important location for the manufacture of wool and cloth. The textile industry continued to thrive through the 19th century, although most of the wealth that came to the town during this period was derived from cotton instead of wool.
In 1853, a building and investment society was formed in the city, which would later become known as the Halifax bank. It's now part of the Lloyds Banking Group and operates mainly from London.
Halifax has also been known for its confectionary production since the late 1890s when John Mackintosh and his wife started selling toffee from a shop in the town centre.
The business quickly expanded and resulted in a number of brands that are still popular today, such as Rolo, Toffee Crisp and Quality Street. Now owned by Nestle, which is based in York, a factory continues to operate in Halifax, churning out millions of tasty treats every year.
Today, the town's economy is mainly based in the retail and service sectors. A number of large business parks have been developed in the region - such as Dean Clough, which is located on the site of what was once the world's largest carpet factory. It provides workspace for SMEs and larger organisations ranging from IT and media companies, as well as financial services and healthcare facilities.
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.
Contact us