Print & Material Planner; Outsourcing

At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Job title:
Print & Material Planner
Contract type:
Permanent
Location:
Guildford
Salary: 28000 - 31300
Working arrangements:
Hybrid two days a week in the office

Think you can keep complex print projects on track and deliver with precision Wed love to see what you can do!

As a Print & Material Planner youll play a key role in ensuring that every print and material specification is delivered accurately and on time. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of AQAs operations supporting the delivery of high-quality assessments that make a real difference to learners.

Youll manage the outsourcing of print jobs that cant be scheduled internally from banners to brochures ensuring cost-effective and timely production. Youll work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to keep our supply chain running smoothly and efficiently.

Key responsibilities

In this role youll be responsible for:

• Managing print and material specifications providing expert advice to internal customers and suppliers.
• Coordinating outsourced print jobs balancing production time and cost to meet deadlines.
• Driving improvements in processes and cost optimisation across print and logistics operations.

What we are looking for

Youll thrive in this role if you:

• Have experience or the ability to quickly learn about print procurement and production.
• Understand supply chain processes and can build strong relationships across teams.
• Are confident influencing and resolving issues while maintaining a positive customer experience.
• Can manage multiple tasks under pressure and work independently on projects.
• Have or can develop strong project management skills.

Whats in it for you

This role offers:

• The chance to shape new procedures and guidance for a key operational role.
• Opportunities to contribute to supplier reviews and cost optimisation projects.
• A collaborative environment where your ideas for improvement are valued.
• Flexibility and support for work-life balance.
• A culture that champions diversity inclusion and continuous learning.

Diversity and inclusion statement

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone regardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or background is valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

• To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by 23.59 on Sunday 11 January.

• Interviews will take place on 21 and 23 January in the Guildford office.

#CRE
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Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Purpose:

To co-ordinate the external procurement/sourcing requirements for Production and Logistics operations including internal department requests and our centres of printed material and stationary. To assess and project manage the jobs with external suppliers to ensure that requirements are met and that the material is completed in time for delivery at out 3rd party.

The Print & Material Planner is a new key role within the department responsible for ensuring that all print and material specifications are correctly supplied by internal customers providing advice and guidance when necessary subsequently ensuring jobs are produced and delivered to specification and time.

This role leads the outsourcing of print which cant be scheduled into the Manchester internal print unit liaising with the Manchester team ensuring print jobs are routed correctly by considering production time and cost. This role reports to one of the managers in the Production and Logistics Management Team who in turn reports to the Head of Production and Logistics a member of our Operations Senior Leadership Team.

The role will work closely with Secure Print team and Logistics team with regard to outbound delivery schedules.

The role has regular contact with our external print and logistics suppliers and is a key interface to other AQA teams e.g. Customer and Sales.

Projects in this area for 2023/24 include:
Helping to shape the new procedures and guidance for this new role. Working with the management team to ensure we are getting value for money during a supplier review in 2024 question paper print cost optimisation.

Activities:

• Customer service Build exceptional relationships with internal customers and…