JOB PURPOSE:
To plan, coordinate, and manage the procurement and availability of raw materials and packaging required for food production operations at Scratch Meals Limited. The Material Planner ensures materials are sourced cost-effectively, delivered on time, and maintained at optimal inventory levels to support production schedules while minimising waste and disruption to service. Please note this role will require some weekend work.
Main Duties:
- Develop and maintain material requirement plans (MRP) based on production schedules, sales forecasts, and inventory targets to ensure uninterrupted supply of ingredients, packaging, and ancillary materials.
- Raise and manage purchase orders with approved suppliers, confirming pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules in line with company procurement policies.
- Monitor and maintain optimal stock levels across all raw material and packaging categories, conducting regular reviews to prevent overstocking and stock-outs.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, negotiating favourable terms, managing delivery performance, and escalating supply risks promptly.
- Work closely with Production, Quality, NPD, and Warehouse teams to align material availability with production plans, new product launches, and seasonal demand fluctuations.
- Track and report on key supply chain KPIs including supplier on-time delivery, stock accuracy, material waste, and cost variance against budget.
- Coordinate with the Quality team to ensure all incoming materials meet required specifications, certifications, and food safety standards (BRC/SALSA or equivalent).
- Identify and implement opportunities for cost savings across the materials supply chain, including consolidation of orders, alternative sourcing, and waste reduction initiatives.
- Maintain accurate material master data, bills of materials (BOMs), and supplier records within the company's ERP/MRP system.
- Support the management of supply chain disruptions by identifying risks early, maintaining buffer stock strategies, and sourcing alternative suppliers where necessary.
- Assist with stock counts and inventory reconciliation processes, investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Ensure all material planning activities comply with food safety, health & safety, and environmental regulations applicable to the business.
Additional Duties:
- Holiday cover the role of production planning when required.
- Maintain awareness of market trends, commodity pricing, and potential supply risks that may affect production inputs.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain function, contributing to process efficiencies and best practice development.
- Participate in supplier audits and reviews as required, ensuring alignment with company standards and ethical sourcing policies.
- Provide cover for other supply chain team members during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of material supply.
- Involvement in the risk assessment process, to reduce the risk to health & safety within your working area.
- Any other duties as requested by your line manager.
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
