Junior Production Planning & Supply Chain Specialist

About the Role

We are launching a new manufacturing facility in the United States as part of Alfaparf Group, an international leader in the beauty and professional personal care industry headquartered in Italy.

We are seeking a highly motivated Junior Production Planning & Supply Chain Specialist to support the planning and execution of our manufacturing operations. This role is primarily focused on production planning, while also supporting purchasing activities during the start-up phase of the plant.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their supply chain career who wants to develop into a Production Planner within an international manufacturing organization. As the plant grows, the position will evolve into a dedicated planning role with increased responsibility.

This is not a highly structured corporate environment. We are building a new operation where initiative, adaptability, and a hands-on approach are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning (Primary Focus)

• Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
• Plan material requirements using ERP/MRP tools to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Monitor raw material availability and proactively identify shortages or supply risks.
• Coordinate closely with Production, Purchasing, Warehouse, and Customer Service to align production priorities.
• Update and maintain planning parameters, production orders, and material master data within the ERP system.
• Analyze production performance, inventory levels, and planning accuracy to recommend improvements.
• Support capacity planning and scheduling as production volume and product portfolio expand.
• Maintain accurate planning reports and KPI dashboards.
• Assist in developing standardized planning processes as the new manufacturing facility grows.

Material Planning

• Purchase raw materials, indirect materials, and operational supplies required to support production.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure materials are delivered on time and according to production schedules.
• Support supplier sourcing, RFQs, and vendor selection activities.
• Monitor supplier performance related to delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Expand procurement responsibilities to include packaging materials as manufacturing operations increase.

Logistics & Operations Support

• Coordinate inbound material deliveries with logistics providers.
• Support import/export documentation and customs coordination when required.
• Collaborate with warehouse operations to ensure accurate inventory transactions and material availability.
• Assist in developing efficient supply chain processes for the new manufacturing operation.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in Production Planning, Material Planning, Supply Chain, Procurement, or Manufacturing Operations.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP planning processes is required.
• Experience with SAP (PP/MM modules) is highly desirable.
• Understanding of inventory management, production scheduling, and material planning concepts.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Comfortable working in a start-up environment where priorities may change quickly.

Technical Skills

Required

• Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Pivot Tables
• VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
• INDEX/MATCH
• Basic statistical analysis
• Data analysis and reporting
• Intermediate computer literacy.
• ERP/MRP experience supporting production planning.

An Intermediate/Advanced Excel assessment will be administered during the selection process.

Preferred

• SAP PP/MM experience.
• Knowledge of production scheduling methodologies.
• Understanding of inventory control and demand planning.
• Familiarity with manufacturing KPIs and reporting.

Languages

• Fluent English (required).
• Italian and/or Spanish are considered a plus.

Core Competencies

• Production Planning
• Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
• Production Scheduling
• Inventory Management
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Process Improvement
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Customer Focus
• Results Orientation
• Adaptability
• Time Management

Why Join Us

• Be part of launching a brand-new U.S. manufacturing facility backed by an established international organization.
• Gain direct exposure to manufacturing planning, ERP systems, and international supply chain operations.
• Work alongside experienced global teams while taking ownership from day one.
• Enjoy significant career growth opportunities as the plant expands and planning complexity increases.
• Develop into a key contributor within our U.S. Supply Chain organization.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000