Manager Material Planning

About the role

The incumbent leads the planning, coordination and control of materials needed to support production and operational requirements. The role ensures timely availability of raw materials and packaging components while keeping inventory levels optimal and supply chain risks low. It involves developing materials planning strategies, turning demand forecasts into material requirements plans, and working closely with procurement, production, quality and logistics teams.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage material planning strategies and translate demand forecasts into material requirements plans (SAP MRP)
• Balance service levels, lead times and carrying costs to keep inventory optimal
• Lead, coach and develop material planners and analysts, set objectives, run performance reviews and promote continuous improvement
• Monitor inventory performance (turns, excess stock, shortages, obsolescence) and set safety stock, reorder points and lot-sizing parameters
• Coordinate with procurement and suppliers on delivery timing, capacity and lead-time variability
• Work with production, procurement, logistics and sales to align material plans with business goals
• Maintain the accuracy of SAP master data such as BOMs, lead times, MOQs and safety stock parameters

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree
• Approximately 6-10 years of progressive experience in material planning, supply planning or production planning within the pharmaceutical industry
• Hands-on experience supporting drug substance (API) and/or drug product (formulation, fill-finish, packaging) operations
• Strong understanding of batch-record-driven planning, material traceability and expiry management

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of SAP and material planning processes
• Analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills