Sr. Materials Planner Lead

Role Purpose

The Materials Planning Senior Lead drives the end-to-end management of raw materials, packaging materials, and imported finished goods. This role leads a team of planners, oversees material requirements planning (MRP), mitigates supply chain risks, and optimizes inventory levels to ensure seamless production continuity and meet customer demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Material Requirements Planning: Direct material planning priorities, replenishment schedules, and MRP exceptions in SAP using production plans, lead times, and inventory parameters.
• Inventory Optimization: Oversee purchase requirements, safety stock levels, and delivery schedules to maximize service levels while balancing working capital.
• Team Leadership & Coaching: Supervise day-to-day planning execution, review exceptions, and mentor Materials Planners to strengthen team capability and performance.
• Supply Risk Management: Proactively resolve material shortages, supplier constraints, delayed purchase orders, and import risks to prevent operational disruptions.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Procurement, Production Planning, Demand, Sales, and Logistics to resolve supply bottlenecks and align on inventory trade-offs.
• Planning Governance: Audit material master data, BOM parameters, and inventory records to maintain high decision-making accuracy and system reliability.
• Process Improvement: Develop planning dashboards, standardize workflows, and manage material readiness for new product launches.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years in materials planning, inventory management, or supply chain planning, with experience guiding or supervising team members.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in SAP/ERP systems, data analysis, and replenishment planning.
• Leadership Skills: Strong cross-functional coordination, problem-solving ability, and risk management capabilities.