Role Description

The Material Planner is responsible for the operational Purchase to Pay process ensuring the availability of a defined raw or packaging material category for all European/Russian MW factories or co packers while controlling the inventory value of those products preventing obsolescence and conserve cash.

They will achieve this by managing the supply chain parameter set based on segmentation characteristics to derive the appropriate replenishment strategy and inventory policy for their portfolio both in system or/and in collaboration with suppliers and commercial; They will collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders to drive improvements and solve exceptions e.g., with Commercial, SQA, Suppliers, Warehouses, Schedulers, Logistics, QFS, Finance and others.

Reviewing MRP results and managing exceptions in Kinaxis and SAP. Accountability for managing supply disruption driven by internal or external source and propose/execute alternative solutions though crisis management and scenario planning (such as the purchase to an alternative supplier or alternative recipes).

Key Responsibilities

• Owns, sets and manages replenishment strategy and associated system parameters for each material within the category across all nodes in the network (10 factories in EU) in line with the inventory policy for short, mid and long-term purchasing. Recommend and align changes with internal and external stakeholders
• Reviews SAP and Kinaxis MRP projection and creates Purchase Orders balancing cash and service and follows through for robust supply and 100% order confirmation within planning horizon. Managing VMI supplier performance through regular reviews and good relation; Shares forecast / significant changes with suppliers and commercial
• Accountable for housekeeping in both planning systems to ensure high data quality in material planning.
• Receives and manages invoice exceptions with relevant parties
• Manages material shortages / supply crisis as escalation owner and facilitates crisis team meetings.
• Accountability for incident tracking (all levels) and RCA for critical issues across stakeholders
• Assures efficient connection with stakeholders via signature processes like COMOS, SMOS, CMOS
• Supporting the change in our supplier landscape, processes and strategies to drive mid/long term improvements in line with our business strategy
• Manages demurrage and obsolescence mitigation for their category avoiding NQC and initiating disposal / returns
• Manages execution of compensation activities (material replacement etc) by the suppliers
• Evaluates supplier performance and provides relevant information during commercial supplier reviews or to management teams
• Manages Relay workflows and POR steps and supports new initiatives and qualification processes for suppliers in close collaboration with COPs and local logistics / SAPMs
• Manages Relay workflows and POR steps in close collaboration with local logistics / SAPMs
• Maintains and builds strong relationships with external suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Reading SCMR and SCGM outputs and feeding or participating in the MOS structure driving fact-based value adding conversations
• Collaborates with Schedulers, Execution Planners to solve material constraints and with the Supply Network Planner/Commercial, evaluates alternate strategies to solve non capacity material issues.

Experience / Background

Education and Professional

• Education and Professional

• BSc or BA in supply chain management, or any other business or engineering related degree
• Internships in relevant areas
• 2+ years logistics, planning or procurement experience for a CPG or retail company

Knowledge / Experience

• Logistics & Supply Chain.
• Deep understanding of E2E planning process, SAP ERP, MRP. Experience with an Advanced Planning Systems (APS) would be an advantage
• Understanding of Lean / Six Sigma / root cause analysis, e.g., 5 why's
• Ability to listen to others and link to others' ideas
• Attention to detail and a passion for data accuracy
• Fluent in English (EU), additional EU CIS languages (such as Russian, French, Dutch or Polish) would be an advantage
• Negotiating skills would be an advantage