3rd Party Supply Planner

PZ Cussons; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company located in Salford, Manchester is seeking a 3rd Party Supply Planner to manage supply plans and optimize inventory levels. The role involves collaborating with suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure timely product availability and address supply risks. Candidates should be proficient in SAP APO and have supply chain management experience. This position offers a hybrid working model with a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with supply planning and inventory management.
• Ability to leverage forecasting and demand planning.
• Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supply plans based on demand forecasts.
• Monitor inventory levels and report on KPIs.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure timely product availability.

Skills

Supply chain management

SAP APO

Risk management

Forecasting

Inventory management

Tools

SAP

Job description

We are PZ Cussons. Our purpose is For everyone, for life, for good .

Sustainability and the wellbeing of people, families and communities everywhere are at the heart of everything that we do.

Since our founding in 1884, we have been creating products to delight, care for and nourish consumers. Across our core categories of Hygiene, Baby and Beauty, our trusted and well-loved brands include Carex, Cussons Baby, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.

POSITION SNAPSHOT

Job title : 3rd Party Supply Planner

Location : Salford, Manchester

Contract type : Permanent

Who are we :

At PZ Cussons, we make some of the UK’s best-loved brands – think Original Source, Charles Worthington, Carex, Imperial Leather, Sanctuary Spa, Childs Farm and more. We’re a FTSE-250 business with global reach and bold ambitions.

If you want to join a business with dynamic, fast-paced working environment and a collaborative atmosphere whilst working flexibly but with the opportunity to collaborate in our stunning offices, then this could be the right role for you.

The Role :

This role develops and manages 3rd Party supply to optimise availability to target inventory levels. Holding suppliers accountable to deliver on time and in full.

Duties / Accountabilities

Develop and manage supply plans informed by demand forecasts, promotional calendars and production capacity. Leveraging the SAP APO system to ensure timely and efficient product availability.

Creating and managing the weekly VAS plan, coordinating with internal supply planners to align on the plan. To align and sign off with the 3rd Party VAS production team. Managing plan to labour and line capacity.

Collaborate with commercial, procurement and copacking teams to align on VAS requirements and timelines.

Submit regular forecasts to suppliers, to build relationships and provide insights to support the delivery of our demand profile. Conduct supplier regular OTIF review meetings.

Proactively identify supply risks and develop mitigation plans to minimize disruption to production and customer deliveries. Exploring all options except those that will erode margin.

Monitor inventory levels finished goods; identify and address potential shortages or excesses. Manage and drive down slow moving and obsolete stock. Report / track monthly, ensure stock is cleared and identify the root causes, setting corrective actions and forcing them through.

Managing materials (packaging, accessories, etc), stocks and availability to meet the demands of the VAS plan. Coordinate with third‑party manufacturers or co‑packers to ensure timely execution of VAS production.

SKU level portfolio Supply Planning sessions to track and measure future inventory projections and identify any supply risks and opportunities. Providing data input, deep dive into MoM movements.

Ensure all NPD / EPD is planned and communicated to all critical departments within the appropriate timescales, ensuring that launches are executed On Time in Full. Feed information timely and action requests out of the NPD / Run out forum.

Review safety stock monthly for stock optimisation in line with order lead time and demand volatility.

Monitor, analyse, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure alignment with the objectives outlined in the job purpose.

Collaborate cross‑functionally with demand planning, procurement, logistics, and customer service teams to ensure supply plans are fully aligned with strategic business goals and evolving market demands.

Please note that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship or assist with relocation support for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the country where this role is located before applying.

Equal Opportunities :

At PZ Cussons, we value diversity and make sure everyone feels included. We want our team to reflect society and our global customers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and your unique perspective helps us develop brands and create new products for our consumers.

If you need extra support during this process, please inform us so that we can accommodate your needs appropriately. It is important to us that all candidates feel recognised and have a good experience with PZ Cussons as part of our commitment to inclusivity.

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