Vendor Planner

The Vendor Planner is responsible for managing supplier schedules and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials required for manufacturing operations. The role serves as the primary interface between suppliers, purchasing, production planning, logistics, and manufacturing teams to ensure material availability while optimizing inventory levels and supplier performance.

The incumbent proactively monitors demand fluctuations, supplier capacity constraints, delivery performance, and inventory risks to maintain production continuity and support customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, maintain, and communicate supplier forecasts and delivery schedules.
• Analyze material requirements based on customer demand, production plans, and inventory targets.
• Ensure suppliers understand and comply with delivery schedules and capacity requirements.
• Monitor supplier commitments and escalate risks affecting material availability.
• Ensure timely availability of raw materials, components, and subassemblies for production.
• Identify potential shortages and develop recovery plans with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate expedited shipments when necessary to prevent production disruptions.
• Support new product launches and engineering changes by ensuring material readiness.
• Balance inventory levels to meet service requirements while minimizing excess stock.
• Monitor safety stock, reorder parameters, and inventory turns.
• Drive actions to reduce obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
• Track supplier delivery performance and responsiveness.
• Participate in supplier review meetings and improvement initiatives.
• Support corrective actions related to delivery, quality, or capacity issues.
• Provide regular updates on supply risks, inventory status, and recovery plans.
• Maintain accurate planning parameters and supplier data within SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Generate reports on supplier performance, inventory levels, shortages, and material risks.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis and KPI monitoring.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in Supply Chain, Materials Planning, Production Planning, or Manufacturing Operations.
• Advanced German language skills
• Experience in an automotive manufacturing environment preferred.
• Knowledge of products and manufacturing processes is considered an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP preferred) and advanced Excel skills.
• Understanding of MRP, inventory management, forecasting, and supplier scheduling.
• Familiarity with automotive supply chain requirements and customer-driven environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Results-oriented with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work cross-functionally across global and regional teams.