Material Planner

**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