Supply Planning Team Lead

Our client is a global leader in dairy and plant-based ingredients, serving professional customers such as bakeries, fast-food outlets, hotels, restaurants, catering services, and industrial food and beverage companies. They are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions through extensive market knowledge and operational excellence. We are seeking an experienced Supply Planning Team Leader to oversee the European Material Planning team.

This role involves leading a team responsible for ensuring the timely procurement of raw materials and packaging supplies to support production across multiple locations. The ideal candidate will focus on optimizing inventory, managing supplier relationships, and supporting tactical planning to meet production and supply chain objectives.

Responsibilities: Lead and manage the European Material Planning team, comprising three team members. Oversee the end-to-end ordering process for raw and packaging materials. Monitor inventory levels and optimize working capital. Forecast material requirements based on production schedules and adjust plans accordingly. Resolve supplier issues and manage purchase complaints. Ensure accurate processing of orders and invoices. Develop and support the team, and manage KPIs such as supplier OTIF and inventory value.

Collaborate with suppliers on tactical alignment, contract coverage, and contingency planning. Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply planning process. Support long-term planning and strategic alignment with procurement teams. Facilitate regular team check-ins and performance reviews, providing coaching and escalation support. Coordinate with production locations in the Netherlands and Germany, including weekly travel to Meppel and periodic visits to Lippstadt.

Requirements: HBO/Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field. Preferably 1+ year of leadership experience in supply planning or ERP planning. Strong knowledge of supply chain and production processes. Proficiency in SAP. Fluency in Dutch and English; German language skills are a plus. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to oversee complex operations, escalate issues when necessary, and look beyond daily tasks to strategic horizons.

Proactive, team-oriented, and customer-focused with a drive for operational excellence. Willing to travel regularly to Meppel and occasional trips to Lippstadt.

Other Information: This is a temporary position initially lasting around six months, with the possibility of extension. The role involves flexible working, with hybrid options (office in Amersfoort, with weekly travel to Meppel). The candidate should be comfortable managing a team that operates independently and interacting with various departments and suppliers. If you are interested and want to apply, please submit your application via the apply button below and contact me.