A leading FMCG manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Inventory & Materials Planner to join their team.
This role is responsible for managing the full Raw Materials & Packaging portfolio, ensuring the factory's production needs are met while optimizing inventory levels, costs, and supplier performance. The ideal candidate will bring strong planning expertise, SAP proficiency, and proven experience in manufacturing or FMCG environments.
- Oversee material planning and scheduling to ensure consistent supply of raw and packaging materials.
- Develop accurate material requirement plans and adjust planning parameters based on usage trends and business forecasts.
- Manage procurement processes, supplier contracts, and relationships to ensure on-time delivery and compliance with business objectives.
- Monitor supplier performance, track orders vs. deliveries, and identify risks or supply disruptions.
- Drive inventory efficiency by minimising obsolete stock, improving cost control, and maintaining ERP data accuracy.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality Assurance, Warehousing, and Commercial.
- Resolve issues related to material shortages, quality discrepancies, and delivery delays.
- Support sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by developing systems and processes that enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Relevant tertiary qualification (BTech/University Degree in Operations, Logistics Management, or related numerical sciences).
- Minimum 3 years' experience in materials or production planning within a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
- SAP experience (essential).
- Proven ability to manage inventory levels, lead times, and optimise stock usage.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Supply chain and inventory knowledge.
- Financial and commercial acumen.
- Vendor management and negotiation skills.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Proactive, agile, and solutions-driven approach
