Material Planner

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