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Logistics & Warehousing

Materials Planner

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Materials Planner plays a key role in ensuring that manufacturing and production processes run smoothly by making sure that the necessary materials and components are available when needed. In this role, you will monitor inventory levels, coordinate with suppliers, and work closely with production teams to forecast demand and schedule deliveries. You will use specialised software to track orders and shipments, resolve shortages or delays, and help to minimise costs by avoiding overstocking or understocking materials. Materials Planners are essential for maintaining efficient production lines and meeting customer deadlines, making this a vital position in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and food manufacturing.

Materials Planner

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Materials Planners in the UK typically earn between £24,000 and £35,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Availability

There were over 2,000 materials planning vacancies advertised in the UK in 2023, with demand particularly strong in manufacturing and automotive sectors.

Typical Working Hours

Materials Planners generally work standard office hours, around 37 to 40 hours per week, but may require flexibility during busy periods.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Supply Chain Analyst

Focuses on analysing and improving the flow of materials and products within a company, using data to make sure everything arrives on time and costs are managed effectively.

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Inventory Control Specialist

Manages stock levels in warehouses or production facilities, ensuring that materials are available when needed and reducing waste or shortages.

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Production Scheduler

Plans and organises the timetable for manufacturing processes, making sure materials are available and production runs smoothly to meet deadlines.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete GCSEs or Equivalent

Start by achieving good GCSE grades, especially in maths, English, and science subjects.

Strong GCSE results, particularly in maths and science, provide a solid foundation for further study. These subjects are important as they develop analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for a Materials Planner role.

Pursue Further Education or Apprenticeship

Consider studying for A-levels, a Level 3 diploma in business, or an apprenticeship related to supply chain or manufacturing.

A-levels in business studies, maths, or science are useful for this career. Alternatively, you could complete a Level 3 apprenticeship in supply chain or manufacturing operations, which combines study with work experience.

Obtain a Relevant Degree or Higher Apprenticeship (Optional)

Study for a degree or higher apprenticeship in logistics, supply chain management, or business if you wish to progress faster.

Although not always required, a degree in supply chain management, logistics, or business can improve your job prospects and help you move into more senior roles. Higher apprenticeships in supply chain management are also available for those seeking work-based learning.

Develop Practical Experience

Find Entry-Level Work

Start in a junior or assistant role in manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain.

Look for roles such as Production Assistant, Inventory Clerk, or Supply Chain Administrator. These positions offer valuable experience and insight into how materials planning fits within a business.

Learn Supply Chain Processes

Gain knowledge of supply chain management systems and processes.

Familiarise yourself with systems like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and learn about inventory management, order processing, and supplier communication. Many employers offer on-the-job training or short courses.

Build IT and Communication Skills

Develop strong IT and communication skills, essential for planning and coordination.

Materials Planners use spreadsheets, databases, and planning software daily. Good communication is also important for liaising with suppliers and internal teams. Consider taking courses in Excel or relevant software.

Progress to Materials Planner Role

Apply for Materials Planner Positions

Seek out job openings and apply for Materials Planner roles when you have enough experience.

Demonstrate your understanding of supply chain processes, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills gained in previous roles.

Continue Professional Development

Stay updated with industry trends and consider professional qualifications.

Join professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) or the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). These organisations offer courses and networking opportunities to support your career progression.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Materials Planner. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Materials Planner and a Materials Engineer both focus on handling and managing materials within an organisational or manufacturing context. They require knowledge of materials properties, supply chain considerations, and planning to ensure materials are available and utilised effectively in production processes.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You'll normally need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject, like:

  • materials engineering
  • materials science or technology
  • applied chemistry
  • applied physics

You could also take a degree course specialising in one group of materials or their commercial use, for example:

  • metallurgy
  • biomaterials
  • polymer science
  • sports engineering

If you have a related degree, for example, structural engineering, you may be able to take a postgraduate course in materials science and engineering.

You can search for materials science and engineering courses, accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, on the Engineering Council website.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could apply for a degree apprenticeship to begin your materials engineering career. Examples include:

  • Materials Science Technologist Level 6
  • Space Systems Engineer Level 6
  • Materials Process Engineer Level 7

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Career tips

Choosing to do an accredited course or a degree apprenticeship can help towards registration for incorporated or chartered engineer status with a professional body. This is a way to demonstrate your professional competence and expertise as your career progresses.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in materials science and engineering from Discover Materials and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

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