Manager - Material Planning

The Manager – Material Planning is a critical function in Lucid responsible for coordinating with PPC, Manufacturing, Sales, transportation, Procurement and send out production/ delivery schedules (daily/weekly/monthly/half yearly/ annually) to all the supplier base across world to ensure timely follow-up, using SAP ERP system with the supplier base and bring the right part at right time in right quantity and in right place at Lucid production locations.

This manager will extensively leverage his knowledge with shipping lines/ road and multi-modal transporters to achieve zero production losses with the least freight cost.

The ideal candidate brings a strategic thought process, digital transformation, strong team builder, and motivator with excellent communication capabilities both above and below his grade.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the material planning team to ensure timely and accurate planning of raw materials, components, and subassemblies.
• Develop and maintain material requirements planning (MRP) strategies in SAP or other ERP systems.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve material shortages or delays.
• Analyze demand forecasts, production schedules, and inventory levels to create optimized material plans.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels, safety stock, and obsolescence to achieve inventory targets and avoid stockouts.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, tools, and KPIs (e.g., OTIF, inventory turns, days of supply).
• Support new product launches and engineering changes by ensuring material readiness and supply continuity.
• Lead cross-functional meetings with procurement, production, quality, and logistics to ensure alignment on material flow and priorities.
• Establish and report on key metrics related to material planning performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and internal controls related to materials management.
• Manage, coach, and develop a highly performing team that meets agreed objectives, and which delivers best practice results, added value, and continuous improvements
• Set departmental objectives/KPIs and review and assess the ongoing performance of direct reports
• Monitor and ensure that staff under supervision maintain accurate material schedules to get the right materials on site at the right time
• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of self, staff, and visitors
• Strong acumen for freight and inventory budget control.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to forecast, plan, and facilitate on-time materials to the production line as and when required, avoiding disruption to production
• Take the lead on internal and external relationships to ensure consistent, timely, and effective communication regarding material availability
• Work with cross-functional teams to deliver effective solutions
• Liaise with stakeholders on product change requests and review, and communicate the impact on material planning and schedules
• Support new business initiatives and projects, and contribute to review meetings and change processes. Ensure effective material planning implementation takes place relating to the changes
• Develop and maintain good relationships with suppliers and ensure demand for materials is met and deliveries made on time
• Design, develop, and implement processes and work with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives
• Contribute to the assessment and sourcing of suppliers in conjunction with members of the purchasing team
• Contribute to supplier meetings and negotiations to ensure demand for materials is met
• Resolve supplier concerns and evaluate supplier performance in conjunction with members of the purchasing team
• Work closely with the purchasing team to ensure purchasing strategies are maximized

Skills

• Significant experience of working in a materials planning role and managing the smooth supply of materials in line with production requirements and budget, ideally within automotive or manufacturing
• Proven people management skill set
• Expert knowledge and understanding of a variety of manufacturing and automotive processes and components, and of supply chain management
• Experience in handling supplier relationships
• Strong IT systems knowledge and skills including advanced Excel skills
• Good working knowledge and experience of using Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems or similar
• Experience of delivering results through cross-functional working
• Knowledge of lean techniques may be advantageous
• Membership of an appropriate professional body would be advantageous

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in logistics, distribution, or supply chain operations.
• At least 3+ years in a managerial or senior leadership role in logistics.
• Experience managing large teams and complex distribution networks.