Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family including jobs in demand, salaries, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Supply Planner is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
Supply Planners play a critical role in creating long-term purchasing plans for raw materials or services, ensuring production requirements and customer orders are fulfilled while minimising costs and mitigating risks. By analysing forecasts from Demand Planners, they collaborate closely with suppliers to develop comprehensive supply plans that enable accurate and timely procurement.
As a vital link between the company and its suppliers, Supply Planners proactively anticipate purchasing needs and help suppliers align their supply chains to meet delivery schedules. This collaboration enhances service levels and improves the company’s ability to achieve Delivery in Full, On Time (DIFOT) performance metrics.
In larger organisations, the Supply Planner’s role is more specialised, focusing on developing purchasing plans with established suppliers. In smaller companies, however, they may take on a broader range of responsibilities, such as basic forecasting, raising purchase orders, and overseeing the movement of goods. Medium-sized businesses often combine the roles of Demand Planner and Supply Planner, blending responsibilities to suit their operational needs.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
As businesses grow and evolve, the demand for skilled supply planners remains constant. In large organisations, supply planners often have a clearly defined role, while in the SME market, their responsibilities frequently overlap with purchasing, creating a dual function. Looking ahead to 2025, the most sought-after supply planners will be those who thrive in the grey, who understand their value to the business, and leverage data and insights to enhance the planning process.
Over the past 12–18 months, many supply planning roles that became vacant were not replaced, as businesses maintained cautious hiring strategies. However, as confidence returns and volumes begin to increase, we anticipate these on-hold positions will re-enter the market, relieving pressure on existing teams and providing much-needed capacity for effective planning.
One emerging trend involves supply planners taking on project management responsibilities, often contributing at the tail end of major sourcing and planning initiatives. As businesses ramp up growth efforts, more of these hybrid roles are expected to arise, aligning supply planning expertise with broader strategic projects to support organisational expansion.
Career Prospects
Supply Planners often launch their careers in roles such as Purchasing or Supply Chain Coordination. With experience, they can advance to positions like Demand Planner, Planning Manager, or into strategic roles within Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP). Alternatively, some transition into Procurement, focusing on strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management, leveraging their expertise to drive value and strengthen supplier partnerships.
Qualifications
Building a career in supply chain management begins with gaining hands-on experience, often starting in an entry-level role and progressing over time. Actively seek opportunities to engage with suppliers, even in transactional tasks like purchase order processing, as these interactions provide valuable insights into supplier dynamics.
Developing strong technical skills is vital for success as a Supply Planner. Proficiency in tools such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, inventory management software, and Excel is essential, alongside well-honed analytical abilities to interpret data and drive effective decision-making.
Many professionals choose to elevate their careers by pursuing qualifications through NZPICS, a leading organisation for the learning and development of supply chain professionals in New Zealand. Achieving these certifications demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, equipping candidates with a deeper understanding of supply chain processes and providing a significant competitive edge in the job market.
Key Skills Required
Successful Supply Planners are solutions-oriented professionals who can quickly troubleshoot issues and adapt to challenges. They are effective team players, adept at collaborating with multiple stakeholders to ensure smooth and efficient movement of goods across the supply chain.
Salary guide
The following salary ranges are based on roles that Hunter Campbell is currently recruiting for or has previously filled and reflect base salaries, excluding bonuses or additional benefits:
- Junior: $80,000 – $95,000
- Intermediate: $95,000 – $100,000
- Advanced: $100,000 – $120,000
Supply Planner salaries vary depending on experience, responsibilities, and the scope of the role. Those transitioning from a Purchasing Officer position can expect salaries of up to $85,000. Experienced Supply Planners seeking greater ownership of the supply planning function typically earn between $90,000 and $100,000. For those managing direct reports and overseeing broader responsibilities beyond purchasing plans, salaries generally range from $100,000 to $120,000.
These figures can vary based on industry, company size, and specific job responsibilities.
If you would like to find out more about the role of Supply Planner, please contact Senior Consultant Kat Biggelaar. Kat specialises in Supply Chain, Planning and Contracting. For more news and views, visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
