Contribute to the creation and implementation of best practice material planning vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve operational performance
Ensure that material scheduling strategy and processes are in place and work effectively in order to ensure material supply meets production requirements with optimum inventory level.
Take ownership of material planning issues that arise, including over or under delivery and take any follow up actions especially in the event of material shortages that affect production.
Assess volume requirements against planning assumptions and communicate with team to balance the supply and demand.
Manage inventory risk and ensure that contingency plans are in place.
Seek and recommend solutions to overcome issues arising in order to meet production/customer requirements and address operational risks
Design, develop and implement flexible solutions to aid business efficiency, drive process improvements and add value. Support continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure that Material Requirements Planning system (MRP/ASCP) in place is effective and that data (Planning Parameter) is accurate and up to date and resolve any issues as required.
People Management
Manage, coach and develop a high performing team that meets agreed objectives and which delivers best practice results, added value and continuous improvements.
Set departmental objectives/KPIs and review and assess ongoing performance of direct reports
Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of self, staff and visitors.
Relationship Management
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to forecast, plan and facilitate on-time materials to the production line as and when required avoiding disruption to production.
Take lead on internal and external relationships to ensure consistent, timely and effective communication regarding material availability.
Work with cross functional teams to deliver effective solutions
Liaise with stakeholders on product change request /ECN, review and communicate the impact on material planning and schedules.
Support new business initiatives and projects and contribute to review meetings and change process. Ensure effective material planning implementation takes place relating to the changes
Develop and maintain good relationships with suppliers and ensure demand for materials is met and deliveries made on time
Design, develop and implement processes and work with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives
Contribute to supplier meetings and negotiations to ensure demand for materials is met
Resolve supplier concerns and evaluate supplier performance in conjunction with members of the procurement and quality team.
Work closely with the procurement team to ensure procurement strategies are maximized.
Skills and Attributes:
Proven management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and development.
Highly skilled communicator with the ability to form and maintain good relationships internally and externally
Strong interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills
Results orientated and organized with the ability to plan and deliver against deadlines
Proven analytical, planning and problem solving skills
Support, encourage and develop team
Proactively contribute to creating a good team atmosphere
Anticipates and overcomes challenges
Self-starter and able to motivate others
Flexible and works well under pressure
Qualifications and Experience Levels:
Relevant degree preferred, B.Tech. in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
12-15 years’ experience of working in a materials planning/Purchasing role and managing the smooth supply of materials in line with production and customer requirements and, ideally within automotive or manufacturing
Proven people management skill set
Expert knowledge and understanding of a variety of manufacturing and automotive processes and components and of supply chain management
Experience in handling supplier relationships.
Good working knowledge and experience of using Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems or similar.
Experience of delivering results through cross-functional working