Supply Chain Planner

Job Description:

Title: Supply Chain Planner

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Working hours: Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 5:00pm and Friday 8.30am - 2.00pm (37.5 hours)

Location: Thurcaston, Leicester

VH Talent is delighted to be working in partnership with a global engineering organisation to appoint an experienced Supply Chain Planner. The Supply Chain Planner will play a key role in ensuring that engineering and manufacturing operations run smoothly and efficiently. Responsible for coordinating material flow, production planning, and supplier performance to support on-time delivery of customer orders. Working closely with various departments, the Supply Chain Planner will translate demand into actionable production and procurement plans, while maintaining optimal inventory levels.

The Supply Chain Planner will proactively manage materials, capacity, and supplier commitments and helps drive operational excellence, supporting new engineering initiatives, and will ensure a reliable, cost-effective supply chain

Interested to learn more, we’d love to hear from you!

The Supply Chain Planner Role:

• Lead short and mid-term production planning by releasing manufacturing orders that keep Operations aligned with customer on-time delivery (OTD) goals.
• Conduct capacity planning to pinpoint potential constraints and propose practical, effective improvements.
• Generate purchase orders and actively expedite key deliveries to maintain a seamless manufacturing flow and support OTD performance.
• Partner with the Master Production Planner to manage inventory, applying standard processes that drive efficient stock optimisation against set targets.
• Deliver clear, accurate stock availability updates to the Customer Service team and take initiative to strengthen service levels and overall customer satisfaction.
• Release manufacturing orders to Operations based on agreed criteria for material availability.
• Provide timely, accurate stock availability updates to the Customer Service team for new demand and requests involving order changes.
• Plan compound manufacturing to align with the production schedule while minimising overstock and reducing waste caused by expired shelf life.
• Regularly assess workload and capacity to identify bottlenecks and recommend effective solutions.
• Collaborate with the Material Planning team to stay informed of any material delivery issues that may impact the production plan. Evaluate requests for tooling to be sent off-site for modification, ensuring customer delivery commitments remain unaffected.
• Issue purchase orders for traded items, components, compounds, consumables, and subcontracting services to support optimal customer on-time delivery (OTD).
• Follow up with suppliers to confirm orders and ensure deliveries align with agreed timelines. Escalate supplier-related issues following established procedures and assist Purchasing with supplier management activities as needed.
• Support the Production team by providing accurate, up to date material delivery information upon request.
• Review and update M3 planning parameters and supplier information as appropriate

You’ll Need:

• Proven ability to work independently, perform well under pressure, and stay focused on achieving goals
• Skilled in data analysis and interpretation to support informed decision-making. Strong analytical, organisational, and communication capabilities
• Passionate about automating and standardising processes to enhance efficiency
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on sharing ideas and contributing to continuous improvement. Demonstrates a proactive, “can-do” attitude and fosters team engagement
• Good knowledge of MRP systems and production/material planning processes. Solid understanding of inventory control and management principles
• Logical thinker with a methodical and results-oriented approach
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Desirable: Degree or equivalent qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft packages, Excel, Word and Outlook

What’s in it for you:

• 33 Days annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program/Portal
• Early finish Fridays
• Permanent appointment
• Bonus scheme
• Excellent company pension

VH Talent, your Permanent and FTC Recruitment Partner!