Key Skills

Job Description

As the MRP Lead you will lead a team of three Material Requirements Planning (MRP) professionals responsible for ensuring the timely availability of raw materials and packaging components for production sites in Meppel and Lippstadt. The role combines people leadership, supply planning expertise, supplier management, and tactical supply chain oversight. You will be part of the Encaps Supply Team. In this position, you will ensure optimal material availability, support business continuity, drive supplier performance, and contribute to achieving the right balance between cost, service, and inventory levels. The role requires both operational involvement and a tactical outlook, partnering closely with suppliers, procurement, production, and other key stakeholders. This is an interim assignment of approximately six months while the future structure of the function is being redesigned. Responsibilities Team Leadership & People Development Lead and coach a team of three Material Planners. Support team members in managing priorities, resolving issues, and handling escalations. Facilitate regular team check-ins and performance discussions. Foster professional growth and continuous development within the team. Material Planning & Supply Chain Management Oversee the end-to-end planning and ordering process for raw materials and packaging materials. Ensure material availability to support uninterrupted production and delivery performance. Adjust planning activities in response to changing production schedules and demand requirements. Forecast material requirements based on supply and production plans. Monitor and optimize inventory levels while balancing working capital and service performance. Supplier & Stakeholder Management Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Conduct tactical supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvements. Manage supplier escalations and support resolution of supply-related issues. Collaborate with Procurement on long-term volume planning, contract coverage, and supply continuity strategies. Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing options to mitigate supply risks. Performance & Continuous Improvement Own and monitor key MRP performance indicators, including Supplier OTIF and Raw & Packaging Inventory Value. Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, supplier performance, and operational efficiency. Challenge existing ways of working and implement sustainable improvements. Contribute to strategic and tactical supply chain initiatives beyond day-to-day operations. Requirements Education & Experience Bachelor's degree (HBO/University level) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience in Supply Planning, Material Planning, ERP Planning, or a similar supply chain role. Previous leadership or team coordination experience is preferred, ideally around one year or more. Knowledge of manufacturing and supply chain processes. Technical Skills Strong SAP proficiency. Good understanding of inventory management, material planning, and supplier performance management. Experience working in complex, fast-paced production environments. Personal Competencies Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Proactive, hands-on, and solution-oriented mindset. Ability to escalate issues effectively and manage supply risks in a Just-in-Time (JIT) environment. Customer-focused with a strong drive for operational excellence. Commercially aware with a clear understanding of cost and working capital impacts. Continuous improvement mindset with the confidence to challenge the status quo. Strong team player capable of operating across multiple stakeholders and functions. Able to balance operational execution with tactical and longer-term planning horizons. Languages & Travel Fluent in Dutch and English. German language skills are considered an advantage. Willingness to travel regularly to Meppel (approximately once per week) and occasionally to Lippstadt (approximately once every 1-2 months). Based primarily in Amersfoort with a hybrid working arrangement.

Core Responsibilities

Lead a team of Material Planners to ensure the timely availability of raw materials and packaging for production sites. Oversee end-to-end planning processes, manage supplier performance, and optimize inventory levels to balance cost and service.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field with experience in material planning and SAP proficiency. Previous leadership experience and fluency in English and Dutch are required.