Material Planner

Role Overview

Based in Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa, the Material Planner manages the complete raw material planning cycle, ensuring synchronization with production demands and operational efficiency. The position demands daily evaluation of the production schedule to optimize material purchasing, create short and medium-term material plans, and support long-term strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Preemptively create and implement plans to avoid material shortages, securing continuous production flow.
• Maintain inventory levels efficiently by controlling stock and managing slow-moving and obsolete items to reduce waste.
• Coordinate with suppliers by distributing material schedules at necessary intervals to align with company requirements.
• Accelerate material procurement based on SAP system recommendations to guarantee timely delivery aligning with business needs.
• Maintain accurate SAP system data by managing key parameters as directed by management.
• Identify and suggest process improvements for better material handling and cost savings.
• Evaluate supply chain risks for the short to medium term and implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage inventory to meet working capital targets, ensuring optimum resource utilization.
• Prepare and submit shortage and surplus reports within set deadlines, ensuring data accuracy to support decisions.
• Set and maintain safety stock levels to protect against variability in demand.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in supply chain roles collaborating with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Hands-on material planning experience within the FMCG sector, preferably the food industry.
• Skilled in managing run in-run out material processes.
• Academic qualifications: Degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or Accounting.
• Leadership capabilities with a strong influence over stakeholders across organizational levels.
• Exceptional presentation skills with proactive involvement in customer-facing communications.
• Experience leading Continuous Improvement projects in dynamic settings.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and matrix organizations.
• Adaptable and creative problem-solving approach.
• Knowledgeable in ERP or supply chain software, specifically SAP, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Keen to develop a sustainable career within the supply chain domain.
• Comfortable working in fast-changing, complex environments with shifting priorities.

Additional Information

McCormick & Company partners with recruitment agencies through official channels and does not accept unsolicited resumes. The company is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring practices respecting all protected characteristics. Furthermore, as part of the disability confident scheme, they guarantee interviews for qualified disabled candidates meeting vacancy criteria.