Supply Planner

Kao; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An international consumer goods company based in the UK is seeking a Supply Planner to lead third-party manufacturing supply planning activities. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of manufacturing experience and strong SAP expertise. Responsibilities include ensuring on-time delivery, managing supply plans, and driving adherence to performance indicators. This role is critical in supporting product launches and optimizing inventory processes. A collaborative approach is essential to align cross-functional teams and meet business objectives.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years’ manufacturing experience, ideally in cosmetics, toiletries, or FMCG.
• Proven track record in demand and supply planning, including third-party suppliers.
• Solid understanding of materials requirements planning (MRP) within manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead 3PM supply planning activities to ensure OTIF delivery.
• Drive plan adherence and resolve constraints in real time.
• Oversee materials readiness and manage purchase order release.

Skills

End-to-end 3PM operations coordination

SAP experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Complex decision-making

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

Supply Planner

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies since 19 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.

As the Supply Planner 3PM, you’ll lead third‑party manufacturing (3PM) supply planning activities to ensure on‑time, in‑full (OTIF) delivery while optimising inventory, capacity, and costs. Partnering closely with Sourcing, Quality, Customer Service, and other business functions, you’ll own the short‑to‑mid‑term supply schedules to meet demand, service, and cost targets. You’ll oversee materials readiness for 3PM production, including packaging, labels, and components and manage purchase order release and closure with full traceability and compliance.

You’ll drive plan adherence, proactively identify and resolve constraints in real time, and lead daily and weekly planning meetings, including scenario planning. With responsibility for maintaining accurate MRP parameters and master data, you’ll continuously monitor and improve key performance indicators such as OTIF, days of inventory (DOH), and schedule adherence - all while streamlining and enhancing planning processes.

Key Requirements

• Coordinate end‑to‑end 3PMs operations and make complex decisions to improve ROI. Utilise storage space at the suppliers with minimal cost impact.
• Work in collaboration with internal department (Sourcing, NPD, R&D, logistics, etc.) on a nearly daily basis to align business expectations with a significant sales revenue impact.
• Manage key vendor forward requirements, supply plans and the placement of finished goods and components purchase orders (POs).
• Support all new product launches and range reviews. Ensure Christmas, summer, and winter sales promotions are met with full quantities available in all markets in a timely manner.

What you’ll need

• Degree‑level education or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–7 years’ manufacturing experience, ideally in cosmetics, toiletries, or FMCG.
• Strong SAP experience in supply chain and production planning.
• Proven track record in internal and external demand and supply planning, including collaboration with third‑party suppliers.
• Skilled in complex decision‑making with significant cost impact.
• Experience delivering short‑, mid‑, and long‑term objectives in fast‑paced, changing environments.
• Effective cross‑functional collaborator, able to drive results across teams.
• Solid understanding of materials requirements planning (MRP) within manufacturing.