Material Planner

Our leading Aerospace and Defence client is looking for a Material Planner to join its Production Operations team at Ampthill. This role is responsible for ensuring materials are available to support production schedules across complex defence manufacturing programmes.

Working closely with Manufacturing, Stores, Procurement and the Master Scheduler, you'll manage material availability, monitor supply chain performance and ensure production plans remain on schedule. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong materials planning or supply chain background who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Report material status to the Master Scheduler, highlighting shortages and potential production delays.
• Work closely with Manufacturing and Stores to ensure production schedules are achieved.
• Raise purchase requisitions in SAP in line with agreed service level agreements.
• Coordinate material shipments and returns between on-site and off-site locations.
• Monitor programme material requirements and expedite outstanding deliveries.
• Identify material shortages and proactively resolve supply issues.
• Utilise MRP reports to ensure materials are ordered and delivered to support production.
• Prioritise production kits in line with manufacturing build plans.
• Maintain action trackers and ensure stakeholders are accountable for delivering actions.
• Support continuous material flow across multiple manufacturing programmes.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience within a manufacturing environment, ideally Aerospace, Defence, Automotive or another regulated industry.
• Previous experience in Material Planning, Production Planning, Supply Chain or Inventory Control.
• Strong understanding of MRP systems, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and material control processes.
• Good working knowledge of SAP, including material management and purchase requisitions.
• Experience managing Line of Balance (LOB) reports and supporting shop floor kitting activities.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills (macro knowledge advantageous).
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to chase actions and drive delivery.

Desirable Experience

• Aerospace or Defence manufacturing.
• Logistics or Supply Chain background with an interest in moving into Materials Planning.
• Experience supporting complex production or engineering programmes.

Key Competencies

• Planning & Organisation
• Communication & Collaboration
• Accountability & Ownership
• Customer Focus
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Results-Driven Mindset

About the Team

• Production Operations team of approximately 10 people.
• Primarily a desk-based planning role with regular interaction across Manufacturing, Stores and Procurement.
• Strong emphasis on SAP, planning and coordination rather than hands-on production.