Supply Planner International

The Supply Planner plays a crucial role in driving the efficiency, reliability, and optimisation of our supply chain operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the efficient and cost-effective flow of goods within a company's supply chain. The primary objective is to balance supply and demand by coordinating inventory levels, production schedules, and procurement activities to meet customer needs while minimising costs and avoiding stock shortages or excess inventory. The Supply Planner acts as a critical link between supply plan, suppliers and operations, fostering collaboration and alignment to meet business objectives.

Key responsibilities include procurement, inventory management, and supply chain coordination, with a focus on minimising costs, reducing lead times, and improving service levels. By leveraging data analytics and inventory planning policies, the Supply Planner identifies opportunities for process improvement, mitigates potential risks, and ensures the supply chain operates at optimal performance.

Inventory Management:

• Monitor inventory levels across 3PL partners to maintain optimal stock levels in line with company inventory policy, minimising both stockouts and excess inventory.
• Implement inventory control strategies, such as ABC analysis, weeks cover stock management, and reorder point optimisation to improve efficiency.
• Proactively manage slow-moving or obsolete stock by informing commercial team of status and agree mitigating actions to reduce stock write offs.
• Ensure effective inventory control for new product launches and Phase-In-Phase-Out SKU changes to minimising both stockouts and excess inventory.
• Conduct a biannual review of the product portfolio, recommending SKU discontinuations or consolidations based on set parameters for weeks of cover and production MOQs.

Supply Chain Coordination:

• Coordinate with suppliers, logistics teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of goods and proactively resolve supply chain disruptions.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs such as on-time delivery, order accuracy, and lead time adherence, implementing improvement plans where necessary
• Work closely with the customer service and sales teams to ensure inventory availability supports order fulfilment and customer satisfaction.

Data Analysis:

• Utilise data analysis tools to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement in inventory and supply planning.
• Generate reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) including inventory turnover, supplier performance, and forecast accuracy to provide insights to management.

Process Improvement:

• Continuously evaluate and improve supply chain processes to increase efficiency, reduce costs and minimise stock write offs.
• Using data-driven insights to enhance supply chain performance and decision-making.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, working cross-functionally to drive operational excellence.

Purchase Order Creation:

• Create, process, and manage purchase orders aligned with inventory policies and business needs.
• Manage the Purchase Order approval process, monitor and report on processing time.
• Ensure accurate and timely delivery of purchase orders to suppliers
• Monitor purchase order status and resolve any issues or discrepancies

Lead Time Management

• Working with suppliers, logistics teams, and internal departments to ensure timely deliveries and ensure that suppliers meet lead times. Measure and monitor against agreed standards.

• Maintain and optimise lead times for procurement and production processes.
• Monitor delays and develop strategies to mitigate disruptions in the supply chain.
• Ensure that any changes to lead times or schedules are communicated effectively to all parties involved.

Risk Management

• Proactively monitor potential disruptions in supply, such as supplier issues, transportation delays, or market fluctuations.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate risks to supply chain operations.
• Work proactively to resolve any disruptions that may impact product availability or customer satisfaction.

Regional S & OP

• Lead the Supply Chain preparation and coordination for bi-weekly SCIM meetings ensuring cross-functional collaboration and alignment between supply, demand and commercial teams.
• Ensure all inputs, materials, and data are prepared accurately and in a timely manner to support effective decision-making.

Provide actionable insights to drive focus and challenge and recommend adjustments where necessary. where required.

Education

(optional but desirable)

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Logistics or a related field.

Certifications 

APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) certification
• Six Sigma green belt or higher
• Proficiency certification in demand planning tools (e.g., Anaplan, SAP, or NetSuite).

• Technical Skills:
  • Strong proficiency in supply planning software (e.g., Anaplan, SAP IBP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, macros, and data analysis).
  • Familiarity with ERP systems and BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

Experience

• Supply Planning:
  • Proven experience (3–5 years) experience in supply chain roles such as:

Supply Planner

Logistics Coordinator

Procurement Specialist

Inventory Manager

• Supply Chain Management:
  • Solid understanding of supply chain principles, including inventory management, supply planning, and production planning.
• Data Analysis & Reporting:
  • Demonstrated ability to analyse complex data sets, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
  • Experience in creating and maintaining performance reports (e.g., KPI dashboards) for stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Experience working closely with Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams to align forecasts with business objectives.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively influence and challenge stakeholders at various levels.
• System Management & Process Improvement:
  • Hands-on experience maintaining and optimising supply planning systems, ensuring data integrity and resolving system-related issues.
  • A track record of implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in supply planning processes.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Industry Knowledge(optional):

• Familiarity with the specific industry (e.g., FMCG, retail, manufacturing, or pharmaceuticals) is beneficial but not essential.

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration across teams.