Materials Planning Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a Materials Planning Manager to form part of the engineering team. This role is based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town with the opportunity for potential future relocation to the U.S.-based OEM.

POSITION INFO:

As the Materials Planning Manager, you will oversee material planning and inbound logistics to ensure timely and accurate delivery of parts that support continuous truck production. Manages supplier schedules, inventory levels, and inbound flows within planning parameters, while aligning closely with production, purchasing, and warehouse teams. This role plays a key part in translating demand forecasts into executable supply plans and maintaining supply chain responsiveness in a high-mix, low-volume OEM manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage robust material planning processes that align supplier deliveries with production requirements and business rules.

• Convert production schedules and demand forecasts into actionable material requirements and supplier schedules.

• Monitor supplier performance and logistics flow to ensure on-time, in-house, in full (OTIF) part delivery to the plant.

• Maintain planning master data (e.g., lead times, safety stock, reorder points) to ensure ERP system accuracy and planning effectiveness.

• Coordinate closely with purchasing, production, engineering, and warehouse teams to synchronize part availability with build plans.

• Drive inventory optimization efforts while safeguarding production continuity, balancing working capital and service levels.

• Collaborate with suppliers to confirm schedules, mitigate delays, and respond to changes in demand or production.

• Support engineering changes and new model introductions through early planning, pre-build material readiness, and phase-in/phase-out strategies.

• Anticipate supply risks and drive resolution strategies including alternate sourcing, expedite planning, or buffer adjustments.

• Manage planning KPIs such as supplier on-time delivery, part availability, inventory coverage, and planning accuracy.

• Lead root cause analysis of material shortages and implement sustainable corrective actions.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for planning systems, supply chain visibility, and responsiveness.

• Prepare planning reports and participate in cross-functional reviews to communicate material readiness status.

• Ensure all planning and materials policies comply with company standards and operational governance frameworks.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• Master’s degree or APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP) is advantageous.
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in materials planning or supply chain roles, preferably within an OEM, automotive, or heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing environment.

• Proven expertise in MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent), with a strong understanding of planning parameters and master data.

• Experience managing supplier delivery schedules, inbound logistics coordination, and BOM-driven material planning.

• Knowledge of inventory control strategies and manufacturing supply chain best practices.

• Strong exposure to high-mix, low-volume or engineer-to-order production environments.

• Advanced Excel skills: experience with forecasting tools or planning dashboards is beneficial.

• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage complex supplier relationships and resolve delivery constraints in a fast-paced manufacturing context.

• Fluent in English, with exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, capable of engaging confidently across technical and executive audiences.
• South African citizenship.