Raw Materials Planner

I am recruiting on behalf of my client in Kempston looking for a  Raw Materials Planner.
This is a full-time, permanent position, offering a great opportunity for an experienced professional.

Raw Materials Planner Benefits include:

• Working hours Monday – Friday 9am -5pm
• Competitive salary
• Free on-site parking
• Opportunities for career growth and development
• Holiday is 25 days minus 4 to cover Christmas closure plus bank holidays
• Pension offered at 5%, increasing after years service
• Life Assurance
• AXA PPP private health offered after a qualifying period.
• Free lunch offered daily, plus tea / coffee etc

Raw Materials Planner – Duties

Planning & Supply Chain Management:

• Ensure a stable and efficient supply chain by maintaining optimal stock levels of raw materials.

• Plan and coordinate material availability to meet production demands while minimizing supply risks.

• Accurately update and maintain system data, including creating and managing item codes in the ERP system.

• Work closely with internal teams to resolve quality or service issues by liaising with suppliers.

Procurement & Supplier Management:

• Procure raw materials in line with MRP requirements, ensuring cost-effectiveness and supply continuity.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, conducting regular meetings to address performance, quality, and service concerns.

• Oversee purchase order processing, monitor deliveries, and maintain stock levels to prevent shortages.

• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and contractual terms to support business objectives.

• Assess supplier risks, conduct performance reviews, and implement corrective actions when needed.

• Support supplier audits and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency.

• Assist with procurement strategy development and reporting.

Additional Responsibilities:

• • Evaluate supplier performance and maintain accurate records in the ERP system.

  • Ensure all regulatory and compliance requirements for raw materials are met.

  • Collaborate with New Product Development (NPD) teams to introduce and approve new materials.

  • Review and approve supplier invoices, resolving any discrepancies efficiently.

  • Support stock transfers between sites and provide cover for other procurement activities when required.

Raw Materials Planner – Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills:

• Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Experience in procurement, supply chain, or materials planning.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Ability to analyze supplier performance and mitigate risks.

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and data management.

• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

• Collaborative approach to working with internal teams and external suppliers.

Desirable Skills:

• Previous experience in raw material procurement within a manufacturing environment.

• Understanding of stock management and supply chain optimization.

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to raw materials.

• Experience in supplier audits and risk management.

Qualifications:

• Degree or relevant qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field (preferred).

• Previous experience in purchasing or materials planning (essential).

• CIPS qualification (advantageous but not essential).

Thank you for your application.
Please note Lawrence Dean Recruitment is acting as an employment agency & business. Due to the high number of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to all applications individually. If you have not been contacted within 7 working days your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion, but we may contact you about other opportunities in the future.

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