SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced Material Planner / Supply Chain Planner with strong vendor management and MRP system expertise to join our Johor Bahru operations. This role is critical in ensuring material availability to support production and customer demand through robust system configuration, disciplined supplier engagement, and inventory optimization.
The successful candidate will act as a key link between suppliers, planning systems (SAP or equivalent), and internal stakeholders to deliver service, inventory, and cost objectives. You will also play a leading role in continuous improvement initiatives and global supply chain standardization projects.
Accountable for following KPIs
- Inventory turns
- Slow and non-moving inventory
- Vendor On Time Delivey
- Material availability / line readiness
SPECIFIC DUTIES, ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Material Planning & System Management
- Own and manage a system-driven material plan aligned to production schedules and sales demand.
- Configure and maintain MRP parameters and master data (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock, MOQ, etc.) to achieve optimal planning outcomes.
- Ensure planning system outputs are accurate, actionable, and aligned with business objectives.
- Actively challenge system assumptions and planning rules to drive continuous improvement.
Vendor Management & Supply Assurance
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with vendors.
- Define and agree rules of engagement with suppliers to meet delivery, inventory, and service targets.
- Proactively manage supplier performance, addressing risks related to delivery, quality, and capacity.
- Expedite materials where required and resolve potential shortages or delays before they impact production.
- Develop and implement flexibility and supply assurance plans with key suppliers.
Inventory Optimization & Cost Management
- Optimize inventory levels by balancing cost, supply risk, and logistics considerations.
- Identify and mitigate shortages, excess on-order, and excess on-hand inventory.
- Analyze slow and non-moving inventories and develop and drive reduction action plans
- Identify, quantify, and support localization opportunities, including financial and supply-risk impacts.
Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead and contribute to cross-functional and global improvement projects.
- Support Lean, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement initiatives within the supply chain.
- Work closely with Planning, Production, Quality, Procurement, and Global Supply Chain teams to ensure customer priorities are met.
- Define and continuously improve end-to-end material supply processes, eliminating non-value-added activity.