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Materials Planner

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Materials Planner is responsible for ensuring that the right materials are available at the right time to support production in manufacturing or distribution environments. This role involves monitoring inventory levels, forecasting material needs, placing orders with suppliers, and coordinating with other departments such as purchasing, production, and logistics. Materials Planners use specialised software and spreadsheets to track stock levels and analyse demand, working to avoid shortages or excesses that can disrupt production schedules. Attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and good communication are vital in this career. It is an important role in the supply chain, helping companies operate efficiently and cost-effectively.

Materials Planner

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Materials Planners in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £35,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £40,000.

Job Availability

There are over 2,500 advertised Materials Planner positions across the UK each year, according to job boards and recruitment agencies.

Common Employers

Major employers include manufacturing firms, automotive companies, aerospace industries, and large-scale retailers.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Production Scheduler

Works closely with manufacturing teams to create detailed schedules that ensure materials are available for production runs and deadlines are met.

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Inventory Analyst

Monitors stock levels, analyses usage patterns, and helps to order materials efficiently to avoid shortages or excess inventory.

Procurement Coordinator

Manages the ordering of materials from suppliers, ensuring quality and timely delivery to support production needs.

Develop Relevant Skills and Qualifications

Achieve GCSEs or Equivalent

Obtain at least five GCSEs including English and Maths, as well as a science or technology subject.

Strong numeracy and literacy skills are essential for materials planning tasks such as monitoring inventories and communicating with suppliers. Science or technology subjects will help you understand manufacturing processes and terminology.

Consider Further Study

Pursue A-levels, a BTEC, or an apprenticeship in a relevant area such as business, engineering, or supply chain management.

While not always required, further qualifications can make you more competitive. Apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical experience while you study and earn.

Develop IT and Analytical Skills

Learn to use spreadsheets, databases, and planning software commonly used in manufacturing and logistics.

Most materials planning roles require you to analyse data, forecast demand, and manage stock levels using computer software. Being confident with tools like Microsoft Excel and inventory management systems will give you an advantage.

Gain Experience in Manufacturing or Supply Chain

Seek Entry-Level Roles

Apply for junior positions such as Production Assistant, Inventory Clerk, or Supply Chain Administrator.

These roles provide valuable hands-on experience with inventory systems and the day-to-day running of manufacturing operations. You will learn how materials move through a business and the importance of accurate planning.

Undertake On-the-Job Training

Take advantage of training offered by your employer to learn about procurement, stock control, and production planning.

Many companies offer structured training programmes or mentoring for new staff. This is an excellent way to build your knowledge of materials planning processes and software in a real-world setting.

Progress to Materials Planner

Apply for Materials Planner Positions

Once you have sufficient experience and skills, seek out vacancies for Materials Planner or similar roles.

Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in inventory management, procurement, and production planning. Be ready to demonstrate your organisational and communication skills in interviews.

Continue Professional Development

Work towards further qualifications such as a Level 3 or 4 Certificate in Supply Chain or Materials Management.

Professional development can help you advance to senior roles such as Materials Manager or Supply Chain Manager. Consider membership of professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) to access further training and networking opportunities.

🎯 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.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Materials Planner and a Materials Engineer both focus on the management and optimisation of material resources to ensure efficient production processes. While the Materials Planner specialises more in logistics and planning, both roles require a solid understanding of materials and their properties to support manufacturing and engineering activities.

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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