Material Planner

JOB ROLE: Materials Planner (Raw Materials & Production Planning)

JOB LOCATION: Cross site

Shepley Spring are the UK's leading bottled water manufacturer with over 20 years' experience in production and are proud to remain a family run business to this day.

The company operates in three manufacturing facilities in Yorkshire and owns several high-speed production lines with the capabilities of producing both still and sparkling water servicing leading retailers such as Morrisons, Lidl, Booker Tesco and Sainsbury through private label and produces the brands Ice Valley and White Rock exclusively.

SUMMARY:

As a Production & Raw Materials Planner you will be responsible for developing and coordinating production schedules to ensure optimal use of resources and timely delivery of products as well as ensuring the continuous supply of raw materials required across all Shepley Spring Ltd manufacturing.

You will manage inventory levels, forecast material requirements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain efficient production flow. By analysing production data and addressing potential bottlenecks, you will play a key role in enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and ensuring quality standards are met. This position requires strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.

This role is crucial in managing the procurement and inventory of materials, coordinating with suppliers, and maintaining production schedules. The ideal candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to meet production needs while contributing to minimising costs, reducing waste, and ensuring timely delivery of materials.

JOB SPECIFICATION:

Raw Materials Planning

• Plan and forecast the required quantities of raw materials based on production schedules, sales forecasts, and inventory levels.
• Collaborate with the production and operations teams to align raw material requirements with manufacturing needs.
• Develop and maintain a material master plan to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials.

Production Scheduling

• Develop, implement, and manage production schedules based on customer demand, inventory levels, and production capacity. Ensure production runs are planned efficiently to meet delivery timelines and optimise the use of resources.

Supplier Coordination & Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of materials.
• Negotiate prices, delivery schedules, and payment terms with suppliers, ensuring cost-effective procurement.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing.

Inventory Management

• Monitor raw material stock levels to prevent shortages and overstocking.
• Ensure proper stock rotation (FIFO) and manage raw material shelf-life to maintain product quality.
• Implement and oversee inventory control processes to optimise storage and minimise waste.

Production Support

• Work with the production team to ensure that materials are available when needed to avoid production downtime.
• Review and adjust material orders to align with changes in production demand or forecasting inaccuracies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards related to materials.

Forecasting & Reporting

• Analyse historical data and market trends to predict material requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on inventory levels, order status, and supplier performance for senior management.
• Review and update material forecasts in alignment with sales and production projections.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure that all raw materials meet regulatory standards, industry quality certifications, and company specifications.
• Monitor and document any material quality issues, collaborating with quality assurance teams to resolve problems quickly.
• Maintain records for traceability and audit purposes.

Cost Control & Budgeting

• Manage and track raw material costs to stay within budgeted limits.
• Proactively identify and implement cost-saving initiatives related to materials procurement and storage.

COMPETENCIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, manufacturing, or a related field OR significant experience working within a Supply Chain environment within a Food & Beverage Manufacturing production environment.
• Proven experience in a raw materials planning, supply chain or procurement centric role, preferably in food & beverage manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of production processes, raw material management, equipment, and capacity planning.
• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using production planning software and tools (e.g., ERP/MRP systems).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-departmental collaboration.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Good understanding of quality assurance and regulatory requirements in the beverage industry.
• Knowledge of forecasting techniques and demand planning processes.

MISSION STATEMENT:

As a family-owned company, our priority is the health of our team members, our communities and our environment. Shepley Spring is committed to responsible resource usage and integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business.

We have an obligation to not only drive aquifer preservation and sustainable withdrawals, energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and waste reduction, but also to continuously innovate to reduce our carbon footprint. We firmly believe in continuing to grow and improving in each of these areas to make Shepley Spring the best water supplier, community partner and employer that we can be.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus scheme
• Performance bonus
• Yearly bonus

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Canteen
• Company events
• Company pension
• Free parking
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 03/03/2025