Materials Planner

MRD Recruitment is recruiting a Materials Planner for a leading FMCG organisation based in Bathgate.

Role Purpose

The Materials Planner is responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of raw materials and packaging required for production within a fast-paced FMCG environment. This role balances supply assurance, inventory optimisation, cost control, and supplier performance while supporting operational efficiency and service delivery targets.

Key Responsibilities

Material Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain material requirements plans based on production schedules, forecasts, and inventory policies.
• Communicate material requirements to suppliers, ensuring timely deliveries to meet production timelines.
• Analyse demand fluctuations and adjust material plans in a dynamic FMCG environment.

Inventory & Stock Management

• Maintain optimal stock levels to prevent shortages or excess inventory.
• Monitor safety stock, reorder points, and lead-time accuracy.
• Conduct regular inventory reconciliations and root cause analysis for variances.

Supplier Management

• Liaise closely with suppliers to resolve delivery issues, quality concerns, and capacity constraints.
• Track and report supplier OTIF (On-Time In-Full) performance and drive improvement actions.
• Support sourcing and procurement teams with data, forecasts, and supplier assessments.

Production Support

• Work closely with production planners, operations, and warehousing to ensure accurate visibility of material availability.
• Attend daily/weekly production meetings to review material readiness and risks.
• Rapidly escalate and mitigate supply disruptions affecting production.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Maintain accurate material planning data in ERP/MRP systems.
• Produce regular KPI reports: inventory health, slow-moving stock, supplier performance, and material risks.
• Use data insights to improve planning accuracy and reduce waste.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to enhance forecasting, planning accuracy, and supply chain efficiency.
• Participate in cross-functional projects (NPD launches, packaging changes, supplier transitions).
• Support sustainability and cost-saving initiatives related to materials.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Problem-solving mindset with resilience in a fast-moving environment.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Understanding of FMCG manufacturing processes and supply chain principles.