Material Planning Specialist

Job Description:

The Material Planner is a key operational role within the Mars MEA supply chain network. This position is responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient supply of raw materials and packaging to support the factory's production schedules. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with a strong understanding of material requirements planning (MRP), inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Material Planning & Scheduling:

  
  

  • Develop, execute, and monitor material plans to ensure continuous production and avoid shortages or overstock.

    
    

  • Utilize and maintain the integrity of the Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) system to generate purchase requisitions and manage material orders.

    
    

  • Analyze production schedules and forecasts to determine material needs and proactively adjust plans for any changes or disruptions.

    
    

  • Collaborate with the factory production planning team to align material availability with production timelines.

    
    

• Inventory Management & Optimization:

  
  

  • Monitor and manage raw and packaging material inventory levels, ensuring they are in line with agreed-upon targets and business objectives.

    
    

  • Identify and implement strategies to minimize excess and obsolete (E&O) stock, reducing waste and associated costs.

    
    

  • Conduct regular inventory checks and audits to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.

    
    

• Supplier & Stakeholder Management:

  
  

  • Collaborate with suppliers and the procurement team to ensure timely and accurate material deliveries.

    
    

  • Communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including production, quality assurance, logistics, and finance, to ensure a seamless flow of materials and information.

    
    

  • Provide timely updates on material availability, potential risks, and supply chain issues to relevant teams.

    
    

• Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement:

  
  

  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to material planning, such as inventory turns, service levels, and on-time delivery.

    
    

  • Analyze data to identify trends, root causes of issues, and opportunities for process improvement.

    
    

  • Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the factory's supply chain.

    
    

  • Ensure that all planning parameters and master data in the ERP system are accurate and up to date.

    
    

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

  
  

• [1-3] years of experience in a material planning preferably within a manufacturing environment.

  
  

• Solid understanding of supply chain management processes, including material requirements planning (MRP) and inventory control.

  
  

• Experience using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, such as SAP or a similar platform, is required.

  
  

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

  
  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across different functions.

  
  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly advanced Excel skills for data analysis.

  
  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

  
  

• Experience in the food and beverage or FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) industry is a plus.

  
  

Key Competencies:

• Planning & Organizing

  
  

• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

  
  

• Attention to Detail

  
  

• Teamwork & Collaboration

  
  

• Drive for Results

  
  

• Learning Agility

  
  

• Action-Oriented