Materials Planner
At Weetabix, we believe that diverse teams drive better ideas, stronger decisions, and a more inclusive workplace for everyone. We’re committed to building an organisation where people from all walks of life feel they belong—where different voices, experiences, and backgrounds are valued and respected.
Closing date: Sunday 24th May
Interview process: Two Stage Process
Working pattern: Hybrid 2/3 Days on-site per week inlcuding Weetabix Wednesday, where everyone comes into the office for some great collaboration and meetings - it’s a must! While we operate a hybrid working pattern, we are committed to providing flexibility where needed.
We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process—just let us know how we can support you.
The Recipe (About the Role)
The Materials Planner ensures timely availability of raw materials to help production and customer commitments in the UK FMCG sector. This role blends operational tasks with strategic growth, using data insights, strong supplier relationships, and advanced planning tools to execute projects efficiently, minimise waste, and meet performance targets.
Operational Delivery (Core)
- Ensure continuous raw material availability to meet production plans, preventing stock-outs and downtime.
- Convert demand into accurate supplier orders, adhering to SLAs, lead times, MOQs, and EOQs.
- Manage rolling 12-week operational and 6-month medium-term forecasts for all material categories.
- Monitor daily stock levels, adjusting orders to maintain inventory targets and minimise obsolescence.
- Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs (OTIF, lead time, responsiveness), driving improvements through meetings.
- Maintain and aid an up-to-date Raw Materials Inventory Policy.
- Control raw material write-offs with clear risk escalations.
- Own reporting on raw material shortage risks and aged/write-off stock.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Production Planners to manage plan changes, reducing commercial and operational impacts.
- Coordinate with Procurement on supplier issues, contracts, and strategic sourcing.
- Assist Quality and Technical teams with material issues, audits, and specifications.
- Help with Pack Change, Innovation, and Commercial teams to manage NPD, pack changes, and discontinuations, ensuring supplier alignment and accurate product lifecycle data.
Strategic Enablement (Future-Focused)
- Work with AI-enabled forecasting by providing accurate data, testing tools, and facilitating change adoption.
- Optimise material flow through continuous improvement, automation, simplification, and better integration with related teams.
- Assist in scenario planning, risk modeling, and resilience strategies to help the organisation scale and respond to external volatility.
The Ingredients (What we need from you)
Key Know How:
- Experience in raw materials planning, supply planning, or inventory management within FMCG or another fast-paced, high-change sector.
- Strong analytical, numerical, and data interpretation skills.
- Knowledge of planning systems (e.g., MRP/ERP), supplier management processes, and inventory KPIs.
- Ability to manage competing priorities with accuracy and urgency.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.
Nice To Have:
- Familiarity with AI-enabled forecasting, predictive analytics, or automated planning tools.
- Continuous improvement capability (Lean, waste elimination, process mapping, root-cause techniques).
- Experience working within an integrated S&OP/SIOP environment.
- Knowledge of digital supply chain trends and best‑in‑class FMCG planning practices.
- Ability to operate effectively in an organisation undergoing growth, transformation, or increased digital maturity.
Your Bowl of Perks (Benefits)
Competitive salary & Annual Flexible benefits
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career, and life outside work.
- Annual bonus
- Double-matched pension scheme (up to 12% from us)
- 25 days annual leave increasing with service
- Annual Salary review
- Healthcare plan
- Discounted Weetabix products
To support our employees, we also offer:
- Continued investment in your personal development
- We believe in balance, whether it's for family, rest or simply time for you. As well as your holiday entitlement, you can purchase up to 5 days of additional annual leave
- Access to 24/7 counselling service (via Grocery Aid partnership)
- The freedom of Flexible Work Opportunities
- Enhanced Maternity / Paternity / Adoption Leave
- Additional Time Off for Fertility Treatment and Neonatal Care
- Working Parents Support Group
- Fully stocked kitchens filled with our delicious products for you to enjoy
To learn more about life at Weetabix, visit our careers page: https://careers.weetabixfoodcompany.co.uk/
Please note: We benchmark roles based on your skills and experience, so we do not advertise fixed salary ranges.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this position; therefore, we are seeking candidates who do not require sponsorship.
We utilise our Preferred Agency Supplier Partners as and when we require additional support
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