Job Description
MATERIAL PLANNER
12-MONTH MATERNITY COVER
SANDIACRE, NG10 5AN (ONSITE)
COMPETITIVE SALARY
Are you a Material Planner with experience managing supplier performance and material availability? Progress Rail Services UK is seeking a Material Planner to report to work closely with suppliers to ensure planned orders and schedules are executed. The role focuses on resolving supplier‑related issues to maintain material availability and support uninterrupted production.
THE ROLE:
As a Material Planner, you will be required to:
-
Analyse purchase requisitions in line with MRP requirements, converting and managing orders to support production schedules.
-
Review and action MRP exception messages, ensuring alignment to production plans and demand changes.
-
Calculate and provide accurate lead times and delivery commitments to Production Planning, confirming dates within the ERP system following supplier expediting.
-
Collaborate closely with suppliers to coordinate order execution, delivery schedules and shipping plans, actively expediting to ensure on‑time delivery.
-
Run past‑due and backlog reports, implementing recovery actions where supply risks are identified.
-
Monitor and manage supplier performance, supporting root‑cause analysis and corrective actions relating to delivery or quality issues.
-
Manage supplier schedules, including the implementation of engineering changes impacting material supply.
-
Control inventory to maintain acceptable WIP and stock levels, improving point‑of‑use material availability through continuous improvement activities.
-
Escalate material supply risks and constraints that impact the production schedule through daily planning forums.
THE CANDIDATE:
The ideal Material Planner:
-
Experience within supply chain functions such as Material Planning, Production Planning, Logistics or Supply Chain Administration.
-
Proven ability to use ERP/MRP systems to support materials, inventory and supplier‑related planning activities, alongside strong Microsoft Office skills.
-
Working knowledge of supply chain principles and how key functional relationships interact to support production.
-
Experience with supplier replenishment strategies, materials planning and inventory control processes.
-
Evidence of a disciplined, structured approach to working with suppliers to support short‑, medium‑ and long‑term planning requirements.
-
Ability to manage complexity, balance competing priorities and resolve conflicts in a fast‑moving operational environment.
-
Proven problem‑solving capability, with experience identifying issues and implementing practical, effective solutions.
-
Experience creating and maintaining standard work, processes or audit documentation, with strong attention to detail.
-
Highly organised, tenacious and methodical, with strong planning and prioritisation skills.
-
Clear and effective communicator, able to work confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
BENEFITS:
-
Competitive salary + company bonus
-
Generous pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
-
Life assurance at 3.5× your salary
-
Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
-
Discounted gym membership – up to 25% off at 4,000+ UK gyms
-
Fuel card savings of 2–3p per litre at 3,500 stations, including BP, Esso and Shell
-
Employee recognition schemes celebrating great work
-
33 days’ holiday per year (inclusive of bank/public holidays)
ABOUT PROGRESS RAIL:
Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signalling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations.
Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions. With a global network across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Germany, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, we are committed to serving our customers.
PROGRESS RAIL VALUES:
-
Integrity – the power of honesty
-
Excellence – the power of quality
-
Teamwork – the power of working together
-
Commitment – the power of responsibility
-
Sustainability – the power of endurance
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered for this role, please click on the link provided. If you would like any further information about this vacancy before applying, please feel free to contact Taher Rahman at our Sandiacre site.
We would politely request no agencies please.
