A Supply Planner ensures materials and finished goods are available to meet demand while controlling inventory levels and minimising cost. The role requires close collaboration with procurement, production and logistics to deliver a reliable supply and support business performance.
This job description outlines the core purpose, duties and requirements for a Supply Planner role within a fast-paced supply chain environment. It is designed to assist HR teams and recruiters in selecting candidates with the right technical skills and commercial awareness.
Supply Planner Job Profile
The Supply Planner is responsible for translating demand forecasts into actionable supply plans, managing stock levels, and coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to maintain service targets. The role balances short-term replenishment with medium term capacity considerations.
This position supports continuous improvement of planning processes, data accuracy and forecast collaboration across sales and operations. The successful candidate will be organised, analytical and effective at stakeholder communication.
Supply Planner Job Description
The Supply Planner produces and maintains supply plans using demand forecasts, sales orders and production schedules. You will monitor inventory positions, trigger replenishment orders, and adjust allocations to meet customer service levels while controlling stock holding costs. Regular analysis of forecast accuracy and lead times is essential to identify opportunities to reduce obsolescence and improve availability.
Working closely with procurement, production planning and logistics, the Supply Planner resolves supply constraints and expedites critical parts when required. You will maintain material requirement planning systems, validate master data such as lead times and minimum order quantities, and contribute to monthly S&OP processes. Clear reporting of KPIs such as fill rate, days of inventory and on time in full performance is expected.
The role often involves supplier performance review and developing contingency plans for high-risk items. The Supply Planner will support new product introductions by defining initial stocking strategies and collaborating on launch logistics and safety stock settings.
Supply Planner Duties and Responsibilities
- Generate and maintain daily, weekly and monthly supply plans aligned to demand forecasts.
- Monitor inventory levels and trigger replenishment to maintain target service levels.
- Analyse forecast accuracy and lead times to drive improvements in planning performance.
- Manage purchase orders, monitor supplier lead times and chase deliveries when necessary.
- Work with production to allocate capacity and schedule jobs to meet demand.
- Participate in S&OP meetings and provide input on supply constraints and mitigation options.
- Maintain and validate MRP settings and master data for accuracy and relevance.
- Prepare regular KPI reports, including fill rate, inventory days and obsolescence metrics.
- Coordinate with logistics to ensure timely dispatch and receipt of goods.
- Support new product introductions with initial stocking plans and ramp-up schedules.
- Develop and implement process improvements to reduce lead times and stock levels.
- Manage supplier relationships and support supplier performance reviews.
Supply Planner Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, business or a related discipline.
- Proven experience as a Supply Planner, Materials Planner or similar role in manufacturing or distribution.
- Strong knowledge of MRP systems and ERP platforms such as SAP or Oracle.
- Demonstrable proficiency in Excel, including pivot tables and data analysis.
- Excellent forecasting and demand planning skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work under tight deadlines.
- Good communication skills for effective stakeholder management across functions.
- Experience with S&OP processes and KPI driven reporting.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Knowledge of inventory control techniques, including safety stock and reorder points.
- Experience working with suppliers to negotiate lead times and improve performance.
- Relevant professional certification in supply chain or planning is advantageous.
