Material Planning Lead

About the Opportunity

As the Materials Planning Lead for Austal Defence Australia (ADA), you’ll be responsible for maturing MBOM to PBOM through ensuring that materials are correct from both an input and output perspective on work orders and shop orders and that orders are released in a timely manner for Supply Chain to procure materials to meet project schedule. The role is responsible to the Scheduling & Planning Manager for the accurate and timely provision of PBOM data for projects and programs. The position is also responsible for the management of a team of Material Planning Officers who will be allocated to Project Teams.

The Materials Planning Lead plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the complex and highly specialised materials required are available on time, in the right quantities, and meet stringent quality standards to support production schedules. This position will be focused on ensuring that these requirements have been articulated in the ERP to enable procurement functions to occur.

About Austal

Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor, and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam.

Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long-term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.

Learn more at austal.com/ssa

This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.

What’s Involved

• Analyse production schedules, engineering drawings, and project requirements to forecast material demand and develop accurate material plans.
• Monitor material availability, inventory readiness, and logistics to ensure materials are delivered on time to support production schedules.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, production, logistics, and supply chain teams to align material planning with design changes, engineering updates, and build schedules.
• Review material usage, identify over or under ordering, waste, quality issues, and obsolescence risks, and implement corrective actions to improve future project outcomes.
• Ensure all materials comply with marine standards, project specifications, and quality and safety requirements, working closely with quality assurance teams.
• Coordinate the procurement of custom-designed components by acting as the key liaison between Engineering and Procurement when standard parts are not suitable.
• Lead and mentor a team of Material Planning Officers, providing oversight, guidance, and performance management to achieve project objectives and continuous improvement.

You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in supply chain management, maritime or naval engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in materials planning or procurement
• Strong knowledge of supply chain and material planning.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems, including IFS and SAP.
• Skilled in forecasting and scheduling material requirements.
• Able to interpret Bills of Materials and engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of shipbuilding materials and marine standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator with cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of global supply chains and supplier lead times.
• Police Clearance Certificate

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.

At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.

Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia