JOB DESCRIPTION:

For our International planning center (ALOG) in the Abbott Logistics Nutrition Organization based in Zwolle (Meeuwenlaan, NL) we are looking for a:

Material planner

Description

The Abbott Logistics Nutrition Organization has an unwavering ambition to deliver on its promise of superior customer service, in a cost-effective environment. Primary in this ambition is our drive to operate a world-class supply chain, recognized by optimal resource planning and comprehensive problem solving. In the mix of people, processes and systems, it is critical to develop and nurture strong communication networks that ensure transparency between affiliates and planning centers for all supply chain issues.

The Materials planner is responsible for planning and monitoring the supply of materials from key suppliers to multiple Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Sites. He/she ensures that the right site has the right inventory levels to maintain their production plan. The Materials planner also monitors the flow of inventory to ensure materials are properly shipped to the plants. Using planning center information (Demand forecast, Product release plan and Production plan), plant information (Material Requirements Planning), Supplier information (Output, Efficiencies, Planned shutdowns, Shipments, etc.) You enable procurement, the plants, the planning centers (master schedulers) and the suppliers to set up a 6 weeks  to 18 months schedule for ordering the materials and maintaining an efficient inventory.

The Materials planner is part of the Master Scheduling team that is responsible for planning the production in the ‘international’ Manufacturing Sites of Abbott Nutrition, of which four are based in Europe, one in Singapore, one in India and one in China (the latter two are directly planned in the Asia region). The Materials planner has a close working relation with the individual Master Schedulers of the planning center, the procurement organizations and the individual Manufacturing Sites.

The job

Overall purpose is to ensure that the right product is available at the right time, location at the lowest cost.

The Material planner is responsible for the creation, maintenance and execution of a valid 24-month replenishment plan for the assigned plant(s). Focus within the replenishment plan lies on optimizing inventory levels and identifying well in time potential supply risks and acting upon these risks with mitigating plans. Involving the relevant stakeholders in driving solution. This is done by using Planning tools, where parameters are optimized to support the material planner’ objective.

To ensure the correct input variables are considered, the Material planner needs to liaise on a regular basis with the assigned plants, procurement, New Product Introduction and other relevant contacts. If needed the Material planner needs to be able to escalate supply events and/or potential supply risks to the relevant stakeholders.

The Material planner is responsible for driving the relevant decision making, explaining and where needed, defending the replenishment plans.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Create and maintain a valid 12-24-month material replenishment plan for all assigned suppliers and plants to conform to business strategies, financial and throughput plans, capacity constraints and the target inventory profiles
• Monitoring sending of purchase orders and the material supply as it crosses the time fence for all items included in assigned suppliers and plants
• Perform regular communication with procurement, suppliers and manufacturing sites, to ensure close collaboration and to achieve alignment on supply chain topics such as inventory, capacity, constraints and NPI’s
• Optimize material inventory levels through monitoring and conducting monthly review of safety stocks, Minimum Order Quantities and supplier campaigning rules, to identify and implement improvement opportunities across the supply chain 
• Review key performance indicators monthly, identify opportunities to improve performance, and execute implementation of improvements
• Participate in the development and execution of plans to ensure on time introduction of new products and new activities
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with ALOG personnel, procurement, suppliers, manufacturing plants, and divisional groups
• Develop innovative process and system improvements, by means of Lean Six Sigma methodologies
• Assure compliance with local and Abbott quality, financial, and regulatory rules, policies, and procedures
• Support product launches (coordinate launch with project leads, suppliers and plants, first production, define lead times, and demand management of old vs. new codes).

   

Knowledge

Professional. Knowledge in a technical, scientific or specialized field built on an understanding of the theoretical concepts and principles and their context. This knowledge is typically acquired through professional qualification and/or through practical experience.

• Master degree, typically in Supply Chain Management, Production Operations Management, Logistics Management
• 1.5+ experience, preferably in Supply Chain Planning for Junior Material planner
• 3-5+ years of experience, preferably in Supply Chain Planning
• Knowledge of SAP Advanced Planning Systems and Plant MRP systems preferred
• APICS CPIM certification preferred

   

Competencies

Abbott competencies

• Set Vision and Strategy, Anticipate, Innovate, Build and Deliver Results

Job specific competencies

• Adaptability
• Innovative attitude, challenging the status quo and always looking for improvement
• Excellent communication skills; experience working across multiple levels (incl. executive level), functions and regions;
• Know the business
• Initiative
• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Deliver results
• Organization Awareness
• Excellent computer and Excel skills
• Persuasion
• Result driven, proven experience in a dynamic environment
• Strong analytical skills

   

What do we offer?

Abbott provides a varied, challenging and international position in a dynamic and pleasant working environment. In our organization, you can count on excellent primary and secondary benefits (for example: holiday bonus,  13th month salary, etc.) a positive working atmosphere, a personal growth plan, extensive training opportunities and good career perspective.

JOB FAMILY:

Supply Chain

DIVISION:

ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain

LOCATION:

Netherlands > Zwolle : Meeuwenlaan 4

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

No

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

No

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)