Manager Material Planning

The role involves leading the planning, coordination, and control of materials essential to support production and operational needs. The successful candidate will ensure the timely availability of raw materials and packaging components while maintaining optimal inventory levels and minimizing supply chain risks. This position requires developing and executing effective materials planning strategies, converting demand forecasts into actionable material requirements plans, and collaborating closely with procurement, production, quality, and logistics teams to guarantee smooth and uninterrupted operations. Additionally, the role focuses on driving continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing forecast accuracy, reducing lead times, optimizing inventory performance, and supporting overall organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and manage material planning strategies to ensure the availability of raw materials and packaging components in a timely manner.
- Translate demand forecasts into material requirements plans using SAP MRP to support production schedules effectively.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels by balancing service levels, lead times, and carrying costs.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of material planners and analysts, setting clear objectives and conducting performance reviews.
- Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement by promoting best practices within the team.
- Monitor inventory performance metrics such as inventory turns, excess stock, shortages, and obsolescence, and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Establish and maintain safety stock levels, reorder points, and lot-sizing parameters to ensure supply continuity.
- Coordinate with procurement and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials, managing supplier constraints, capacity limitations, and lead-time variability.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including production, procurement, logistics, and sales to align material plans with business objectives.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of master data in SAP, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), lead times, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and safety stock parameters.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- 6 to 10 years of progressive experience in material planning, supply planning, or production planning within the pharmaceutical industry.
- Strong proficiency in SAP and comprehensive understanding of material planning processes.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
- Hands-on experience supporting drug substance (API) and/or drug product operations, including formulation, fill-finish, and packaging.
- Solid knowledge of batch record-driven planning, material traceability, and expiry management.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to the efficiency and reliability of pharmaceutical production operations by ensuring materials are available when needed while optimizing inventory and reducing risks. The role requires a proactive leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.