Planning & Inventory Manager

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Planning & Inventory Manager

Location

Almere, Netherlands

Department

Operations

Employment Type

• Full-time contract

• Office-based

• Local scope

Reports To

Plant Manager

Direct Reports

Yes

Travel Required

No

Employing Entity

Aqtis Medical B.V.

Job Overview

We are looking for a detail-oriented and strategic Planning & Inventory Manager to join our team at our injectable products manufacturing site.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for optimizing inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing costs. A key focus of this role will be on production planning, ensuring efficient use of resources, and maximizing operational efficiency.

The successful candidate will forecast inventory needs, analyse product demand data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure streamlined stock management and production scheduling.

This role will be pivotal in driving continuous improvements to enhance production efficiency and support the overall success of the manufacturing operations.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.

• At least 10 years of experience in production planning, inventory management, demand forecasting, and supply chain management, preferably within the manufacturing or pharmaceutical industry.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience managing a team of direct reports, with a strong focus on driving operational efficiency, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Proven experience in optimizing production planning processes, improving inventory accuracy, and implementing cost-saving initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles, process optimization, and the ability to manage complex production schedules while maintaining effective inventory control.

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced data analytics tools to support decision-making and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Inventory Management

• Oversee production planning and inventory management processes to ensure the right levels of stock are maintained to meet demand, while minimizing excess stock and stockouts.

• Collaborate with materials planners to optimize inventory levels.

Demand Forecasting

• Use historical data and demand forecasts to develop and adjust production plans, ensuring alignment with inventory needs and business objectives.

Supply Chain Coordination

• Work closely with suppliers, logistics teams, and internal departments to ensure smooth and timely replenishment of inventory, while aligning with production schedules.

Order Planning & Scheduling

• Plan and schedule purchase orders to maintain optimal stock levels and ensure timely availability of materials, in line with budget constraints and production timelines.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze key inventory and production metrics, such as turnover rates, lead times, safety stock levels, and demand variability.

• Use this data to generate reports and present insights to management to inform strategic planning.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process improvements within production planning and inventory management to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with demand planning, production, and operations teams to align inventory strategies with business goals, ensuring streamlined communication and efficient planning.

Management of Subcontractors

• Oversee the management of subcontractors for outsourced operations such as packaging, sterilisation, and other critical processes, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• Proficiency in Production Planning and Inventory Systems: Advanced experience with SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, and strong Excel skills for data analysis.

• Production Planning Expertise: Proven ability to develop and execute production plans to meet demand, optimize resources, and manage inventory effectively.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong ability to assess production data, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements for enhanced operational efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent communication skills for working across teams in production, supply chain, and management to align objectives.

• Adaptability & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and adjust quickly to changes in demand or production capacity.

• Leadership & Team Management: Experience leading production planning teams and driving continuous improvement in production processes.

• Lean Manufacturing Knowledge: Familiarity with Lean principles or other process optimization strategies to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Desirable

• APICS Certification: Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a plus.

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in production planning and/or inventory management, ideally within a manufacturing environment for injectable products or pharmaceuticals.

• Industry Knowledge: Previous experience in injectable product manufacturing or the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong understanding of ISO 13485 and relevant regulatory standards.

Additional Information

• Special Requirements: N/A

• Flexibility: Office-based