Job description
Job Description: JOB PURPOSE / OVERVIEW The Material Planner is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted availability of Raw Materials and/or Packaging Materials to support factory operations while balancing inventory, freshness, warehouse capacity, and working capital objectives. The role manages material replenishment, supplier coordination, and inbound material flow by working closely with Commercial, Regional Planning, Production Planning, Logistics, suppliers, and logistics partners to secure production continuity.
The role acts as the key custodian of material planning parameters, inventory policies, and material master data while ensuring compliance with Safety, Quality, and Food Safety standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Material Planning & Supply Assurance Develop and execute material replenishment plans aligned with factory production plans, regional requirements, and business priorities to ensure consistent material availability. Proactively identify and highlight material risks (e.g. shortages, supplier constraints, logistics disruptions) and drive and follow through mitigation actions in collaboration with stakeholders.
Maintain clear visibility of material coverage, risks, and constraints, enabling proactive decision-making. Support continuity of production by ensuring reliable and timely material supply, escalating risks where needed. Maintain planning parameters (lead time, MOQ, safety stock, reorder settings) to support stable and efficient supply execution.
Inventory Management & Control Manage inventory in line with service level, freshness, warehouse capacity, and working capital targets.· Monitor inventory health (excess, obsolete, slow-moving, aging) and propose corrective actions with relevant functions.· Execute inventory governance activities including cycle count coordination, stock reconciliation, and issue follow-up.
· Ensure inventory accuracy by supporting root cause identification and corrective actions. Supplier & Inbound Flow Coordination Partner with APAC commercial and coordinate closely with suppliers, procurement, logistics partners, and warehouse teams to ensure smooth inbound material flow.· Track and monitor inbound shipments from supplier dispatch to warehouse receipt, ensuring visibility and timely issue management.
· Proactively follow up on delays, shortages, or quality issues and support recovery actions to minimize impact.· Support supply readiness for NPD, changes, and key business activities. Cross-functional Collaboration & Execution Work closely with Regional Planning, Production Planning, Commercial, Logistics, suppliers, and warehouse teams to ensure smooth material flow.
Act as the key coordination point for daily material related planning and execution within the factory. Drive follow-through of material-related issues and non-conformities until resolution. Planning Systems & Data Integrity Maintain accurate planning master data and system parameters to ensure planning reliability.· Ensure timely and accurate system transactions (e.
g. PO tracking, confirmations, goods receipt, closing).· Act as a key user/supporting user for planning systems, contributing to correct usage and continuous improvement.· Support system enhancements, testing, and standardization initiatives. Continuous Improvement Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning efficiency, inventory performance, and service levels.
Support data analysis and reporting to identify improvement opportunities. Participate in planning routines by providing material insights and risk visibility. Safety, Quality and Food Safety Comply with all Safety, Quality, and Food Safety standards and procedures. Ensure material planning activities support traceability, compliance, and operational readiness.
Identify and escalate risks related to safety, quality, or regulatory requirements. Participate in site initiatives to support overall factory performance. CONTEXT AND SCOPE Supports factory operations through effective Raw Material and/or Packaging Material availability. Works closely with Regional Planning, Production Planning, Commercial, Logistics, suppliers, and logistics partners to ensure uninterrupted material flow.
Balances material availability, inventory health, freshness, warehouse capacity constraints when making replenishment decisions Ensure end-to-end inbound material visibility from supplier dispatch through factory receipt. Supports NPD launches, shutdown activities, and supply chain improvement projects. Act as a key user for planning systems and support continuous improvement of planning processes Ensures compliance with Safety, Quality, Food Safety, and regulatory requirements.
JOB SPECIFICATION / QUALITIFICATION: 1.
Education
& Professional Qualification Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field. APICS / CPIM certification is an advantage. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP planning systems is preferred Good command of English, both written and verbal. 2. Knowledge / Experience Experience in Supply Chain Planning, Material Planning, Logistics, Inventory Management, or related functions is preferred. Good analytical and problem-solving skills. Good communication and stakeholder management skills. Strong attention to details and ability to manage multiple priorities Team players with a growth mindset and strong sense of ownership. Safety, Quality, and Food Safety conscious. KEY SUPPORTING COMPETENCES Plan and Align Manage Complexity Dealing with Ambiguity Attention to Details Collaborates Drive Results