Material planner

Material Planner (Day Shift)

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

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

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent through demonstrated experience.
• 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