The Material Planning Manager role is responsible for leading material planning, inventory governance, and material transition initiatives across manufacturing and supply chain operations. The position requires close collaboration with suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth material transitions, optimised inventory performance, and uninterrupted production continuity.
Responsibilities
New Material Transition Management
Lead material transition programmes involving the replacement of current materials with new materials across production and supply chain operations.
Drive phase-in and phase-out strategies to ensure seamless material conversion without impacting production continuity.
Coordinate transition activities and timelines with GSC, I&PD, Procurement, Production, Engineering, Quality, and other key stakeholders.
Ensure readiness for new material implementation by establishing planning parameters, system configurations, and inventory strategies.
Demand, Supply & Purchase Planning Alignment
Partner with planning and supply chain teams to align material requirements with forecasted demand and transition objectives.
Establish procurement plans that support manufacturing needs while balancing business targets and material sourcing strategies.
Manage inventory levels throughout the transition period to ensure an appropriate balance between outgoing and incoming materials.
Ensure material availability while optimising inventory investment and working capital performance.
Inventory Governance, Working Capital & Financial Planning
Establish inventory control frameworks that support operational continuity while maintaining appropriate stock levels.
Evaluate and manage inventory risks associated with material transitions, including excess stock, slow-moving inventory, and obsolescence exposure.
Lead programmes focused on improving inventory efficiency, reducing waste, and optimising inventory disposition.
Generate inventory forecasts and material outlooks to support financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, and other business planning activities.
Collaborate with Finance to assess inventory valuation, quantify transition-related impacts, and identify inventory-related risks.
Maintain the accuracy of inventory records and ensure planning parameters remain aligned within ERP and planning systems.
Oversee consignment inventory across both internal manufacturing facilities and external production partners, ensuring effective inventory control, material availability, and working capital management.
Oversee consignment inventory across both in-house manufacturing and contract manufacturing operations, ensuring effective inventory control, material availability, and working capital management.
Cross-functional Alignment & Project Governance
Serve as the primary liaison among GSC, I&PD, Procurement, Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Operations to ensure successful material transitions.
Facilitate regular governance reviews to assess project progress, inventory exposure, supply readiness, and risk mitigation efforts.
Drive stakeholder alignment and support decision-making processes related to transition priorities, timing, and execution plans.
Define and monitor consignment inventory policies, replenishment models, and stocking strategies to support both internal operations and external manufacturing requirements.
Risk Management & Performance Monitoring
Proactively identify risks that may impact material supply, inventory health, production schedules, transition milestones, or capacity availability.
Develop and implement mitigation actions and contingency plans to maintain operational performance and fulfil business commitments.
Monitor and report key performance indicators related to material transition, inventory health, Fill Rate on Time, and targets.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening planning processes, inventory governance, and overall supply chain performance.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or professional certifications are an advantage.
Experience managing material transitions, new product introduction (NPI), or phase-in and phase-out activities is preferred.
Strong analytical, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems and inventory planning processes.
Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to perform under pressure and meet challenging timelines.
Proven ability to work independently, take ownership of results, and influence stakeholders at different organisational levels.
Strong communication skills in both Thai and English.
About the company
A global company in the jewellery manufacturing industry, this organisation produces jewellery products through large-scale manufacturing operations. The company works with materials, production, and supply chain teams to support product availability and operational efficiency across markets.