Material Planner Midrand, South Africa The Material planner oversees the end-to-end raw material planning process, ensuring alignment with production requirements and operational efficiency. This role involves conducting daily analysis of the production schedule to optimize material purchases, develop short– and medium–term material requirement plans, and contribute to the creation of long–term strategic planning initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proactive problem–solving abilities, and the capability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams to maintain optimal inventory levels and streamline procurement processes. Main Responsibilities Material Shortage Management: Proactively initiate and coordinate action plans to mitigate material shortages, ensuring continuity in production. Inventory Control & Optimisation: Monitor inventory levels, minimizing excess stock while proactively managing Slow‑moving and Obsolete (SLOB) items. Supplier Coordination: Provide material schedules to suppliers at required frequencies to maintain alignment with business needs. Procurement expediting: Expedite materials in accordance with SAP recommendations to support timely fulfilment to business requirements. SAP Data Integrity: Ensure the maintenance of SAP parameters as regulated by management, keeping system data accurate and up to date. Continued Improvement & Cost optimisation: propose and evaluate process enhancements to improve material flow and drive cost reduction. Risk assessment & Mitigation: Identify short‑to‑medium‑term supply chain risks, implementing preventive strategies to minimize impact. Working Capital Management: Oversee inventory levels to maintain working capital targets, ensuring efficient resource allocation. Compliance & Reporting: Complete shortage and surplus reports within communicated deadlines, provide accurate data for decision‑making. Safety stock maintenance: Establish and maintain appropriate safety stock levels to safeguard against demand fluctuations. Candidate Profile Solid experience in a supply chain role working with customers, suppliers, and other internal stakeholders. Practical experience of material planning in an FMCG company (preferably in the food industry). Experience in managing run‑in‑run‑out (face‑in‑face‑out) of materials. Degree in Industrial/Supply Chain/Business/Accounting. Proven leadership skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels in the organization. Excellent presentation skills and the ability to proactively contribute to customer presentations. Proven experience in managing and executing CI projects within a dynamic environment. Cross‑functional team player able to operate effectively within a matrix structure. Flexible approach and innovative problem‑solver. Exposure to ERP/SC systems (SAP) and advanced level Microsoft Office (Excel). Potential and desire to build a career within Supply Chain. Flexibility in a complex, ambiguous and fast‑paced environment with changing priorities. McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. #J-18808-Ljbffr