Network Production Planner

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Veghel; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates in Veghel is seeking a Network Production Planner to build and maintain short-term production plans across the network. You will balance customer service, freshness, inventory and cost while collaborating with markets, factories, suppliers and logistics partners.

The role focuses on owning 0–12 week production horizons, resolving supply constraints, and driving improvements across the end-to-end supply chain. English proficiency is required; Dutch preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (SCM, Engineering, Operations, Science or Business).
• 2–5 years of experience in Supply Chain Planning, Customer Service, Logistics, or Operations.
• Experience in global FMCG/CG manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of Lean / Six Sigma / root-cause analysis (5 whys).
• Experience with Kinaxis RapidResponse or E2Open; ERP systems proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate, feasible short-term production plans across the network within the 0–12 week horizon.
• Own short-term finished goods availability for portfolio across multiple markets.
• Manage product deployment across supply network based on demand and inventory.

Skills

Analytical skills

Collaborative mindset

Continuous improvement

English proficiency

Dutch preferred

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations, Science, Business or related field

Tools

Kinaxis RapidResponse

E2Open

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description:

Segment: Mars Snacking

Location: Veghel

Contract type: full-time, 12-month contract with the potential for extension

Help create the perfect snack moment for millions of consumers around the world.

At Mars Snacking, we're building a supply chain that is integrated, intelligent, and agile. Behind iconic brands such as M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MALTESERS® and EXTRA® is a network of passionate associates working together to ensure the right products are available at the right time, every time.

We're looking for a Network Production Planner who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys solving complex supply chain challenges. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring short-term product availability across our supply network while balancing customer service, freshness, inventory, and cost objectives.

Context

As a Network Production Planner, you will be responsible for creating and maintaining feasible short-term production plans across our network within the 0-12 week Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) horizon.

You will act as a key connector between markets, factories, suppliers, external manufacturers, and logistics partners, proactively managing exceptions, identifying root causes, and driving solutions that improve service and performance across the end-to-end supply chain.

This is an exciting opportunity for a supply chain professional who combines strong analytical capabilities with a collaborative mindset and a passion for continuous improvement.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Maintain accurate production plans within planning systems and communicate them effectively to Factory Schedulers.
• Own short-term finished goods availability for your portfolio across multiple markets, including semi-finished products.
• Manage product deployment across the supply network based on market demand and available inventory.
• Identify and resolve demand-supply imbalances within the 0-12 week planning horizon.
• Lead root cause analysis and drive corrective and preventive actions to address supply chain exceptions.
• Evaluate material-related constraints and collaborate closely with Material Planners to understand impacts on finished goods availability.
• Escalate capacity and material supply risks through the appropriate S&OE and CMOS governance processes.
• Develop and evaluate alternative production scenarios considering demand changes, inventory levels, material availability, shelf life, and network constraints.
• Monitor service level and inventory performance, ensuring optimal replenishment throughout the distribution network.
• Identify opportunities to rebalance inventory across warehouses and locations to maximize customer service and minimize waste.
• Support decision-making around non-performing inventory and inventory optimization initiatives.
• Drive actions related to seasonal peaks, promotional activities, and new product launches.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators to improve customer service, inventory, cash flow, and operational costs.
• Lead supply-related Case Fill Rate root cause analysis and preventive action planning.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of production, product, and supply network master data.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Provide planning support and coverage for fellow Network Production Planners when required.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations, Science, Business, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in Supply Chain Planning, Customer Service, Logistics, or Operations.
• Experience within a global FMCG, Consumer Goods, or Manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of Lean / Six Sigma / root cause analysis, e.g., 5 why’s
• Experience working with ERP systems and Advanced Planning Systems (APS), preferably Kinaxis RapidResponse or E2Open.
• Proficiency in English is required and Dutch language skills are strongly preferred.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.