Material planner

Material Planner (Day Shift)

Location:
Lummen (with flexible remote options) About the Opportunity Are you a proactive, analytically strong supply chain professional who excels at taking ownership of complex processes? Do you have a passion for material planning and driving strategic improvements? For our client—one of the world's leading FMCG companies dedicated to providing high-quality, nutrient-rich nutrition to millions of consumers globally—we are seeking a Material Planner (Day Shift). Based at their state-of-the-art production site in Lummen, where efficiency, quality, and sustainability are at the core of daily operations, you will play a pivotal role in optimizing end-to-end supply chain performance. If you are looking for a high-impact role where you can challenge existing processes and implement sustainable changes, this is the perfect next step for your career Job Content & Summary As a Material Planner, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of material flows to guarantee optimal production continuity. You won't just be executing daily operations; you will act as a senior expert and a trusted sparring partner for both internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers. Reporting directly to the Team Leader Material Planning, you will balance operational excellence with long-term strategic projects, helping to harmonize and digitalize planning processes across the organization.

Key Responsibilities
Operational & Tactical Excellence
- Ensure the timely availability and delivery of raw materials and packaging in correct quantities.
- Monitor and manage inventory levels closely to minimize obsolete stock and take corrective actions when necessary.
- Set up, maintain, and continuously audit MRP parameters.
- Prepare forecast files and align volume expectations and bonuses directly with suppliers.
- Accurately update Bills of Materials (BOMs) during design or recipe changes. Strategic & Senior Responsibilities
- Define and implement long-term material strategies, including safety stock levels, dual sourcing, and inventory segmentation.
- Take full ownership of critical supply chain KPIs, such as OTIF (On-Time In-Full), service level, and working capital.
- Conduct complex scenario analyses ("what-if" simulations) to mitigate supply risks, demand shifts, or capacity constraints.
- Develop, document, and implement material planning best practices. Supply Chain Optimization & Projects
- Lead cross-functional improvement projects focused on inventory reduction, process harmonization, and service optimization.
- Identify and drive digitalization and automation opportunities within the planning department.
- Play an active role in ERP optimization, including SAP upgrades, tools, and custom dashboards. Stakeholder Management & Leadership
- Maintain seamless, daily communication with internal departments and external partners.
- Lead, align, and constructively challenge stakeholders across production, procurement, planning, and quality teams.
- Build, nurture, and manage robust relationships with strategic suppliers.
- Share knowledge and mentor team members during the rollout of new process improvements. Job Requirements
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Education:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent through demonstrated experience.
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Experience:
Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in material planning or supply chain management (Medior/Senior level).
- Technical

Skills:
Expert knowledge of SAP/ERP systems and advanced MS Excel skills are required.
- Domain Expertise: Strong understanding of the end-to-end supply chain (from supplier to finished product), purchasing workflows, and production structures.
- Soft

Skills:
Analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to problem-solving. You are dynamic, proactive, and possess the communication skills required to manage stakeholders across all organizational levels.
- Languages: Strong command of Dutch and English; basic knowledge of French and/or German is a distinct advantage.
- Methodology: Experience with Lean and/or Six Sigma process optimization is highly valued. Our Offer For Professionals:
- Competitive gross salary with 13th month and double holiday pay
- Monthly net allowance
- Meal vouchers & eco vouchers
- Choice between company car with fuel/charging card (SalSa plan) or mileage reimbursement for using your own car
- Hospitalization insurance from day 1 + optional outpatient insurance (incl. dental care)
- Group insurance (pension savings)
- Cafeteria plan (Flex Income Plan)
- 4 weeks of statutory holiday + 12 ADV days + seniority leave
- Possibility to work from home (typically 2 days per week, to be discussed)
- Benefits at Work discount platform
- Referral bonus when you recommend a new colleague
- Personal follow-up via account manager, HR/L&D support, access to training, learning tools, and certifications
- Networking events and internal activities to stay connected with colleagues and the organisation Prefer to work as a freelance consultant