Materials Planning Manager

Overview

In this role you lead the RMP Planning team to ensure reliable raw material supply and optimized inventory. You’ll drive tactical and strategic improvements to RMP planning, collaborating with regional and global teams to enhance processes and data quality. You’ll manage key KPIs, mitigate supply risks, and support digitization of planning tools. This is a chance to shape a critical part of a high-volume manufacturing network aligned with AkzoNobel’s sustainable growth ambitions.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday
• Income protection
• Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Life Assurance

Responsibilities

• Lead the RMP Planning team to ensure effective supply planning
• Maintain raw material availability, optimal stock levels and PO integrity via planning systems
• Review and align requirement and supply plans for RMP materials across sites
• Improve MRP outputs and planning parameters for data quality and efficiency
• Define replenishment strategies in line with business strategy
• Approve safety stock, lead times and ABC-XYZ classifications
• Identify supply risks and implement corrective actions
• Own KPIs and drive improvements via MDI Tier structures
• Maintain master data accuracy and collaborate on product lifecycle with Procurement and R&D
• Lead RMP SLOB processes to reduce slow-moving/obsolete stock
• Drive continuous improvement in RMP planning with Transformation, Digital and Centre of Excellence
• Support new processes, best practices and digital planning tools
• Coordinate with Manufacturing and Logistics to incorporate local needs
• Participate in Tier 3 site reviews and provide planning input
• Support SAP users to maximize system effectiveness
• Contribute to inventory and replenishment policy input

Key requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in relevant discipline or APICS qualifications
• Experience in procurement, purchasing, materials planning or supply chain in high-volume manufacturing
• Strong understanding of production planning and its link to Materials Planning
• Knowledge of MRP processes and planning systems
• Experience in inventory management and stock strategies
• Experience with planning parameters, master data and supply planning
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Fluent English; international experience desirable
• Willingness to travel internationally

• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Collaborative approach across functions and cultures
• Proven track record in leading or delivering continuous improvement
• SAP or similar supply chain planning systems
• MRP and master data management
• Inventory management and differentiated stock strategies

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