Central Materials Planning Manager

Background & Purpose of the Job This position leads the Central Materials Planning team across the BPC sites/categories, ensuring that the proper direct and indirect materials are available for the timely conversion of finished product. The CMRP team will serve as the escalation point for supplier issues and will assist in resolution of short and longer term raw and packaging material queries, to support the plant production schedule, and customer service while optimizing inventory levels. Responsible for leading long term capacity planning for RMPM and partnering with procurement to develop resiliency. Accountable for establishing management routines, new tools, and standard processes to ensure delivery of key functional performance targets. This role works cross-functionally to develop functional strategies, establish priorities, and key performance targets. The main job responsibilities are the following: Provides leadership and strategic direction for central Materials Planning team Lead cross functional team in collaboration forums (weekly, monthly, quarterly) between plan and procurement Communicate and co-ordinate with suppliers in terms of structural improvements and relationship management Serve as the escalation point for network wide/structural supplier issues. Lead long term capacity planning of raw and pack materials. Provide feedback to procurement teams on contracting volumes based on long term capacity planning including seasonality and bandwidth management. Develops, implements, and maintains standard processes for material requirements planning and works with procurement on promotional inventories that are required at the supplier Business partner with Procurement to ensure the right level of resilience actions maintained for raw and pack materials. Manage external forecasting to suppliers to create clear visibility and host run strategy for key strategic vendor partnerships Champion the logistics needs amongst our suppliers and buyers (lot sizes, lead-times, on-time delivery, fast response, plan conformance, plan accuracy, timely communication, etc) Plan and manage the right quantity of safety stocks as per recommendations from IPM run by the team. Structurally reduce inventory whilst protecting service through managing the total stock profile and stock health. Drive continuous improvements in end-to-end material planning, including stock managed by suppliers. Ensure Supplier Performance is managed through regular review of OTIF metrics with suppliers (local and global). Reason code maintenance key responsibility of the planner Be a “change leader”, implement standard best practices and adopt new tools. Joint accountability with Procurement for developing the vision and strategy and executing the strategy with procurement personnel Drives employee engagement and organizational health Translates Company business strategy into operational goals with visible metrics Who You Are and What Will You Do You’re a born leader: You will lead the CMRP Team across sites/categories. Your actions will have a sizeable impact on the end-to-end value chain. You will interact with the functional teams to create a plan for success. You’re a strategy guru: You will devise and execute the longer-term strategy for our materials network, with the aim to improve the responsiveness of our extended Supply Chain. Empowered to lead strategic agenda for key customers and improve efficiencies and drive growth for both Unilever, Customer and Consumer You’re digital & data translator: You understand how to use data and tools to quickly connect dots and develop insights and action You’re a dot connector: You can link our supply chain with the supplier’s supply chain to maximize opportunities. Collaborate with factories and 3PM’s, R&D, marketing, and procurement to deliver the total agenda. You’re a culture & change champion: Working closely with cross functional colleagues both internally and externally as ONE TEAM and aligning expectations while holding others accountable You love to win, and have fun doing it: Responsibility for generating and improving the demand forecasts for the business by using a range of methods including base forecasting as well as all facets of supply and innovation planning. You’re a paradox navigator: Regularly review material portfolio with cross functions teams (R&D, CD, Finance, and Supply Chain) and make appropriate recommendations for the “right” portfolio. What You’ll Need to Succeed Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or related fields 5 years in an Operational Planning/Procurement or relevant SC role Fundamental knowledge of MRP systems Excellent interpersonal relationship skills. Interact effectively with all levels including other Unilever sites, Supply Chain Planning, manufacturing personnel. Motivate, energize, and foster team activities and relationships. Ability to resolve conflict Utilize computer software to communicate, analyze, and document planning activities and develop KPI Reports utilizing Excel, Word, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Technical understanding of SAP/APO. Strong Access and Excel knowledge. Familiar with Network Manufacturing principles What We Can Offer You Culture for Growth | Top Notch Employee Health & Well Being Benefits | Every Voice Matters | Global Reach | Life at Unilever | Careers with Purpose | World Class Career Development Programs | Check Out Our Space | Focus On Sustainability For office-based, Research & Development, and remote positions, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to be eligible for employment. Religious and/or medical accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ------------------------------------ Unilever is an organization committed to diversity and inclusion to drive our business results and create a better future every day for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. For more information, please see Equal Employment Opportunity Posters Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check. If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses.