Materials Planner

*Immediate Joiners Preferred*

Purpose of Function

This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective management of inventory levels and material flow within the organization. This position involves advanced planning, coordination, and control of inventory and materials to support production schedules and customer demands. The MRP Controller also provides mentorship and guidance to junior team members, driving continuous improvement in MRP processes and strategies.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Daily Planning Process:

• Generation of weekly/daily ordering schedules
• Plan and release abnormal demand report ensuring decisions are focused on what is best for the whole customer base.
• Plan and release intercompany orders using our Draeger bespoke plant to plant process (ZPTP)
• Review Draeger bespoke forecasting tool (ZDPS) for items which fall outside of acceptable stocking parameters and ensure most suitable options are utilized.

Master Data Creation & Maintenance

• Manage deletion workflows to ensure master data on obsolete items is up to date in the SAP system.
• Working alongside material expediting you will periodically review safety stocks on inbound materials to ensure continuity in supply whilst also maintaining cycle turn targets.
• Periodically review abnormal demand quantities based on global guidelines.
• Material master data (MRP relevant) maintenance and optimization.

• Periodically review lot size parameters based on global guidelines using ABC/XYZ methodologies.
• Make any necessary adjustments to the SAP system to minimize slow moving stock or dead inventory. All exceptions are to be flagged in SAP using the low cycle turns indicator for reporting purposes.
• Maintain planning profile on materials which are deemed as suitable for forecasting based on analysis of past sales and business plans.

Business Support

• Provide general support to production helping to resolve booking issues and other ad-hoc requests which could impact customer OTIF or create inaccuracies within the system.
• Where possible create works orders to handle rework requests and seek opportunities to release blocked stock into unrestricted.
• Provide information to the warehouse function on overdue line items

Material Supply and availability assurance

• Release Purchase orders with given appropriate order specification.
• Ensure material available on time according to sales requirement with close tracking and adjustment of material delivery time.
• Non-conforming material, Missing parts claim handling and support
• Support material localization and new product/Project

Order management and Delivery fulfilment

• Production order release and management.
• Customer order material availability confirm and delivery fulfilment.
• Delivery priority alignment with order management

Advanced Material Requirements Planning:

• Develop and manage complex MRP plans and schedules, considering multiple variables such as production forecasts, lead times, and demand variability.
• Optimize MRP parameters including safety stock levels, reorder points, and order quantities to balance inventory costs and service levels.
• Ensure timely availability of materials for production while minimizing excess inventory.

Strategic Inventory Management:

• Conduct in-depth inventory analysis to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement strategies to reduce excess and obsolete inventory, improve turnover rates, and enhance overall inventory health.
• Coordinate and oversee physical inventory count and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Utilize advanced analytical tools and techniques to generate detailed inventory reports and dashboards.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management based on data analysis.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory and MRP performance, driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Position requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in MRP, inventory management, or supply chain management.
• Proven experience with advanced MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).

Required Related Experience

• IT literate and knowledge of Microsoft Office
• SAP knowledge preferred but, on the job, training can be provided.
• Capacity for analytical thinking

Skills, Special Competencies, or Certifications

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using MRP/ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities simultaneously.