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About the role:
The Lead NPI Planner plays a critical role in supporting the successful introduction of new products within JCB Compact Products. This position is responsible for ensuring material availability, managing planning parameters, and coordinating closely with supply chain, procurement, and production teams to deliver seamless product launches.
You will bring strong expertise in materials and production planning within a manufacturing environment, using MRP/ERP systems to balance demand, inventory, and supply. This is a fast-paced, highly analytical role requiring attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
What does this role involve day to day?
Planning & Forecasting
- Convert demand forecasts, production plans, and sales orders into material requirements
- Maintain MRP parameters including lead times, lot sizes, safety stock, and reorder points
- Balance inventory levels to meet service targets while minimising excess and obsolete stock
Inventory Control
- Ensure material availability to support uninterrupted production
- Monitor inventory levels, shortages, and slow-moving stock
- Drive stock optimisation initiatives including reduction, write-offs, and rebalancing
Supplier & Purchasing Interface
- Collaborate with procurement to place and expedite purchase orders
- Track supplier performance (OTIF, lead time adherence)
- Resolve supply constraints, shortages, and delivery issues
Production Support
- Support production schedules by ensuring materials are available at the right time
- Manage schedule changes and assess material impacts
- Participate in daily and weekly production planning reviews
Data Accuracy & Systems
- Maintain accurate BOMs, routings, and item master data
- Use ERP/MRP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Syteline, IFS) effectively
- Provide clear material availability reporting to stakeholders
Continuous Improvement
- Identify planning inefficiencies and implement process improvements
- Support lean initiatives and inventory reduction programmes
- Proactively identify and mitigate material risks
This will be suited to you if…
- You have experience in materials planning, production planning, supply chain, or purchasing, ideally within a manufacturing or engineering environment
- You have a strong understanding of MRP, demand planning, and inventory control principles
- You are confident working with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Syteline, or IFS
- You possess strong Excel and data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret BOMs, lead times, and production schedules
- You have excellent numeracy and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail and data accuracy
- You can manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- You communicate effectively with suppliers, procurement, and production teams
- You have a proactive, problem-solving mindset and can respond quickly to shortages and supply challenges
- You are organised and methodical, with the ability to work under pressure and drive improvements
What happens next?
Ordinarily, our Resourcing Team reviews and shortlists CVs. If shortlisted, you’ll speak to one of our Recruiters to discuss the role further. Our interview process usually consists of an initial team’s interview followed by an in-person interview. We’ll keep in touch throughout the process but if you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected]
What’s in it for you?
This is your chance to join a company that values expertise not only in rewards but also in real employee care. At JCB you don’t just get a competitive salary, 33 days’ holiday and access to our company pension—you can also use our onsite gym, in-house doctor and dentist. We have an ULEV car scheme available for our employees too. Then there’s the JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts with high street retailers. Feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme.
We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Recruitment Team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format. If you would benefit from this support, please email [email protected], and a member of the team will be in touch.
Recruitment Agencies: JCB does not accept any speculative approaches to present candidates for advertised vacancies.
