Material Scheduler

Dig in and grow with us

At Mash Direct, our aim is simple: to bring the taste of great food, rooted in six generations of farming, to every table, nurturing a stronger connection between people, their food, and the land it comes from.

We’re here to be the trusted source of freshly prepared vegetable side dishes, honouring our heritage while growing responsibly for future generations. How we do that matters. We work collaboratively, act with purpose, support one another, and take ownership of the results we deliver.

We also believe in looking after our people. We’re building a culture where everyone’s voice is heard, good leadership is developed, and learning and growth are part of everyday work. Supporting each other and sharing knowledge is just as important as producing great food.

If you care about good food, honest work, and being part of a team that does things properly and want to help shape the future of how we buy, Mash Direct is a place where you’ll belong.

What you’ll be doing

This is a hands-on, high-impact role at the centre of our supply chain. You’ll be the key link between production, procurement and our supplier base, ensuring ingredients and packaging materials are available when needed while keeping stock levels lean and efficient.

Your role will include:

What we offer

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who has:

– Experience in material scheduling, inventory control or supply planning.

– Experience within food manufacturing or another fast-paced production environment.

– Knowledge of ERP, MRP or stock management systems.

– Strong numerical and analytical skills.

– Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

– A proactive, problem-solving mindset that identifies issues before they become problems.

– Strong communication skills and confidence building relationships with suppliers.

– Commercial awareness with the confidence to negotiate on price and service.

Job Purpose

The Material Scheduler is responsible for the end-to-end scheduling, reordering and control of ingredients and packaging materials, ensuring continuity of supply to production while minimising stock holding and working capital tied up in inventory. The role acts as a key link between Production Planning, Operations and our supplier base, and carries responsibility for supplier performance and commercial negotiation on price and service. 

Key Responsibilites

Material Planning & Replenishment 

– Own the reordering and replenishment process for all ingredients and packaging materials 

– Set and maintain reorder points, safety stock levels and order quantities based on usage, lead time and demand variability 

– Monitor stock levels daily and weekly and take proactive action to prevent shortages or excess 

– Align material availability with the production schedule, working closely with Production Planning 

Stock Control 

– Maintain accurate stock records within our stock management process and system 

– Balance the commercial goal of minimal stock holding against the operational requirement to avoid production disruption 

– Identify and manage slow-moving, excess or obsolete stock 

– Support regular stock counts and reconciliation processes 

Supplier Management & Negotiation 

– Build and maintain strong working relationships with key ingredient and packaging suppliers 

– Negotiate on price, payment terms, service levels and delivery performance 

– Monitor supplier performance (OTIF, quality, responsiveness) and address underperformance 

– Support supplier reviews and contribute to sourcing decisions alongside Procurement 

Cross-Functional Coordination 

– Work closely with Goods-In, Technical and Operations to resolve supply issues quickly 

– Communicate material risks (shortages, delays, quality issues) to relevant stakeholders in good time 

– Support NPD and seasonal planning with material availability input 

– Provide holiday cover for the Production Planner 

Person Specification

– Experience in material scheduling, stock/inventory control or supply planning 

– Experience in food manufacturing or another regulated, fast-moving production environment 

– Working knowledge of ERP, MRP or stock management systems 

– Strong numerical and analytical skills 

– Confident, commercially minded negotiator 

– Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities 

This job description is not exhaustive and any other duties within reasonable or associated capability are expected to be completed. 

Mash Direct is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.