Global Materials (AI) Planning Manager

Job Summary 

Ensures all active ingredients are available for use in line with the Global Demand Plan. The materials planning manager will ensure regional inventory levels support demand and conform to target stock levels; coordinate with suppliers, and work with logistics to ensure shipping schedule supports production and sales timings with a strong emphasis on supply chain optimization.

Executes the supporting activities to ensure active ingredients are ordered at the right time, quality, price and delivery terms agreed by Procurement Managers.  Responsible for all transactions, master data processes and system updates supporting active ingredient inbound supply.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Planning Activities: 

•    Responsible for the management of inbound active ingredients globally (HER, BIO, INS & FUN)

•    Responsible for the management of all planning activities; review of all open POs, adjusting dates, running of MRP versions. 

•    Evaluate planned purchases and prepare specific reports.

AI Master Data: 

•    Responsible for the management of item master and item branch data for all active ingredients.

•    Responsible for management of MRP Planning Versions.

Risk Management/Process Improvement:

•    Identify and mitigate supply chain risks while capitalizing on opportunities for improvement. 

•    Drive initiatives at the global level, identify root causes for issues, implement systematic solutions, and develop tools to monitor performance (KPIs, trends).

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

•    Actively participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings.

•    Work closely with demand and production planners, formulation groups, quality control, and external formulation sites. 

•    Actively participate in monthly Supply Review Meeting

•    Actively participate in the monthly Open Order Meeting

Inventory Management: 

•    Ensure optimal stock levels and alignment with the global annual inventory targets. 

•    Monitor global inventory levels and anticipate issues in advance to prevent production delays 

Planning Execution:

•    Responsible for maintaining adequate material flow based on demand/forecasting. This includes following through POs to ensure timely deliveries, accurate receipts, and resolution of any supply issues to prevent material shortages or delays.

Month-End Activities: 

•    Confirm PO receipts match warehouse documentation, confirm in-transit status of open POs, complete any pending receipts or transactions, and notify accounting regarding in-transit status.

Required education, knowledge:

•    Education: Bachelor's degree Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field.

•    2-3 years of experience in production planning or manufacturing operations

•    Proficient in ERP systems (Oracle preferred) and production planning software

•    Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required

•    Experience with MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems

•    Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and practices

•    Need to Travel: Occasionally

 Required skills, abilities:

•    Excellent organizational and time management skills

•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills

•    Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities