Materials Planner Lead

Generates the medium term (3-18 months) tactical raw materials plan, to ensure the correct quantity of materials are available to meet production demand while aligning to business strategy and the ever-changing environment.

**The extent of the role’s involvement in supervision and other team leadership activities**

The role has a Materials Planner reporting into it.

**Level of interaction within and outside of the company as well as the nature and purpose of the interaction.**
- The Material Planner Lead liaises with Stock Managers, Supply Managers and Planners to manage raw material or containers, to ensure that sufficient material is available to deliver to production demand at the least cost, which includes the balancing of the grid between plants.
- The role engages with suppliers as required in relation to the combined portfolios of materials the individual is responsible for and is the first point of contact for raw material supply related discussions, for specific suppliers.
- Will engage all Supply Chain functions to continuously find better ways to manage and control raw materials including recommendations received from Materials Planners.

**Key Duties & Responsibilities**:

- Compile medium term (3 to 18 months) tactical raw material plans and submit to Procurement in order to secure supply.
- Review and agree tactical stock holding parameters per plant with the Plant Supply Manager and Finance to ensure optimal raw material inventory levels and replenishment
- Support the Raw Materials Supply Managers in generating the budget and profit forecast for working capital targets, as required.
- Support the manufacturing and technical team in relation to projects involving raw materials.
- Provide guidance and monitor supplier and plant safety stock levels, by raw material as stipulated in relevant Service Level Agreements (SLAs), to proactively mitigate supply risk.
- Effectively manage and resolve raw material inventory queries, issues and risks.
- Consolidate and analyse data in relation to commodities, accountable for, to ensure the accurate recording of data, the appropriate allocation in terms of SLAs and to proactively mitigate potential risk in relation to supply.
- Meet with Suppliers weekly and monthly to communicate and discuss the operational forecast, addressing volume, timing, new product and promotion introductions, as well as supply issues using the agreed Sales and Operations (S&OP) meeting format and agenda.
- Review communicated requirements for imported raw materials and monitor the shipping schedule and Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs) to ensure that raw material inventory levels are maintained at agreed levels and escalate possible supply risks to Raw Materials Supply Planning Manager.
- Implement and roll out business continuity plans to mitigate any potential risk or risk in relation to raw material supply.
- The optimal management and coordination of run-out plans for discontinued products and promotional material to mitigate the financial risk to the business.
- Where applicable ensure the effective management of containers and raw material inventory levels held by Third Parties to enable the optimal balancing of the supply grid.
- Where applicable manage RACM inventory audits at Third Party warehouse to ensure compliance to relevant policies and procedures.
- The effective management of allocated team, to allow for the achievement of set goals, an engaged team and high-quality work output.

Judgement and decision making
- The role operates under stringent rules, procedures and policies
- governance and legal compliance is essential.

**Skills, Experience & Education**:
Qualifications and Experience
- A degree or equivalent tertiary qualification (Preferably in Operations or Logistics Management).
- A Post Graduate Diploma or Degree would be advantageous.
- 3-5 years’ experience, within in Beverage or Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry.
- Computer literacy with advanced proficiency in Microsoft products and relevant ERP system.

Competencies

**Skills**
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Strong analytical ability.
- Good Planning Skills.
- Ability to lead a team.
- Analytical and numerical skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Good interpersonal skills.

**General**:
Bonded for Equity