Supply Chain Specialist/Demand Planning Expert in Ostend

Purpose:

In a global economy in particular, short lead times, binding deadlines and reliable deliveries play a key role. As part of supply chain management, you are the global interface between the Vesuvius plant in Belgium, the intercompany customers in Poland, and the Czech Republic, our production and our suppliers of raw materials from, among others, China, India, Madagascar, Brazil, Europe, and other regions.

Key Accountabilities/Key Responsibilities:

• Your typical daily work is: Forecast of Consignment Stocks and Warehouse capacity, coordination with internal customers, resolving supply bottlenecks, stock analysis,
• Responsible for production mix scheduling based on Sales Requirements (SR) and Total Capacity (TC), and for converting production plans into raw material requirements within the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) process
• The position holder plays a key role in strategic and operational stock management for raw materials and semi-finished goods, back-up shipping (intercompany and international) and logistics to ensure an economical, transparent and demand-oriented supply for the organization
• supervisory responsibility for three direct reports (2 shipping coordinators, 1 raw material scheduler)
• The position focuses on continuously improving the demand planning and ensuring the timely delivery of raw material and semi-finished goods
• Close collaboration with internal stakeholders and local suppliers, logistic partners and functional teams (e.g. production) to define specifications, service levels and performance requirements
• Management and development of intercompany and supplier relationships to ensure quality, reliability and continuous improvement
• Support of standardization, harmonization and continuous improvement of supply chain/logistic processes
• Preparation and analysis of reports, KPIs and management information for Supply Chain Management
• Ensuring compliance as well as contractual and process adherence

Qualifications:

• Graduate or Master’s degree in a business-related field or completed commercial education with relevant further training
• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in supply chain management or logistics or a similar role e.g. Supply Chain Engineer, Production Planner, Demand Planner in an industrial environment, ideally chemical, automotive or plant and mechanical engineering industries
• Knowledge of custom release procedures, incoterms ruling
• Technical Knowledge is an advantage
• Experience working with international stakeholders and global supply chain organizations
• Confident use of ERP systems (SAP) and Supply Chain Management Tools and MS Office, especially Excel (mandatory)
• Detail oriented and precise working style in line with governance and compliance requirements
• Excellent team player with hands‑on mentality, communicates efficiently, well organized and action oriented; solves problems effectively
• Resilience and confident performance in demanding situations
• Professional and self‑confident appearance towards internal and external partners
• High level of ownership and execution strength
• Fluent in English, Dutch basic knowledge
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively, the role is primarily office based in Ostend - home office is possible one day a week
• A valid work permit for Europe is essential

What we Offer:

At Vesuvius, we believe that great results come from great people. We offer you an inspiring environment where courage, ownership, respect, and energy are not just values – they are the foundation of how we work together every day.

• We offer a highly competitive salary
• We also provide family-friendly working hours (39 hours per week) and a supportive environment that fosters initiative, personal responsibility, respect, and enthusiasm.
• We are constantly working to develop Vesuvius further and prepare it for future challenges. This includes internal and external training opportunities, a subsidised pension scheme via group insurance (6% on your gross salary), and opportunities for personal and professional development.
• You can also look forward to staff events and other attractive benefits, such as 33 days' annual leave.
• We offer the scale and security of an international group combined with a family-like atmosphere. There are plenty of opportunities for development within our rapidly growing industrial environment.