At AstraZeneca we work together across global boundaries to make an impact and find answers to challenges. We do this with the upmost integrity even in the most difficult situations because we are committed to doing the right thing. We continuously forge partnerships that help pursue world-class medicines in new ways, combining our people’s exceptional skills with those of people from all over the globe.

Description:

The Production & Material Planner (PMP) supports all elements of the site planning process and the Global planning processes. The PMP will attain and maintain compliance with APO Drivers License requirements. The PMP is accountable for availability of starting materials for production processes and for ensuring that the Packaging & Bulk & Fill PETs produce to customer demand.   The PMP is responsible for daily supply chain management activities including: forecast integration, demand management, supply planning, inventory management, event planning, and production scheduling.  The role also is responsible for the planning and procurement of raw materials, bulk materials, and packaging components for their portfolios. The role is also responsible for the intra-company relationships including customer (distribution / market) relationship management. The incumbent must ensure all planning activities are compliant with relevant laws, regulations and site requirements. 

Essential Job Functions:

Direct Material Management

• The Production & Material Planner is accountable for availability of starting materials for production processes
• Manages inventory of starting materials (ZICM, ZPAC, ZPLT, ZRAW) and/or finished goods (VMI items) in line with global stock targets.
• Monitors actual and forecasted consumption of materials and orders replenishment stock
• Manage timely and efficient processing of purchase orders through the procurement process. 
• Monitor the status of open purchase orders including delivery and quality issues that may affect status. 
• Review and evaluate safety stock levels, minimum order quantities, supplier and QA lead times on a regular basis to identify continuous improvement opportunities including but not limited to inventory reductions
• Review and monitor CRs to ensure new component and material implementation plans are met and write-offs are kept to a minimum
• Manage all rejected/non-conforming material through the Material Disposition Process. 
• Tracks and reports vendor performance and interfaces with vendors on supply issues
• Provide support to Purchasing for credit issues with vendors. 
• Coordinate the return of the material with QA, Purchasing, warehouse personnel and suppliers.
• Maintains complete and current knowledge of all material requirements, production processes, and issues affecting product availability, including special activities related to specific products and/or projects (eg. managing requests for special samples to support stability studies and global product registrations, knowledge of SXR procedures in SAP for the assignment of polymers and the execution of process orders, management of the SXR polymer planning process and the scheduling of sighting batches)
• Provides material supply intelligence to materials supply review process including safety stock recommendations.

Planning & Scheduling Processes

• The Production & Material Planner is responsible for ensuring that PETs produce to customer demand
• Schedules production & events on production lines according to rhythm sequence and stock tolerance requirements
• Maintain and input material master data into planning systems
• Responsible for identifying and resolving complex issues impacting production, planning, scheduling and customer service
• Execution leader for scheduling, material planning
• Maintain common files and processes timely inputs of receipts/usages into EUSAP / ICON the management of any toll manufactured/packed products.
• Supports event management process through impact and production capacity analyses, event scenarios, plan development and execution
• May be process owner for scheduling sub-processes
• Setup and maintain product, asset, and transportation lane master data in ECC, SNP, and SMT as required

Site & Global Planning Process

• Participate on Project Management teams (eg. Launch Teams, patent losses, new equipment introductions)
• May act as a liaison for toll related functions
• Understands lead time analysis and participates in improvement efforts
• Provides expertise for internal customers that may include:  AZ supply/virtual sites, global supply chain teams, and US ISC colleagues
• Participate in Demand & Supply meetings, may participate in P S&OP meetings
• Own integrity of SAP Master Data and APO

Market Facing Responsibilities

• Setting and maintaining inventory levels and replenishment frequency/method in conjunction with each market
• Measure supply performance and stock tolerance (VMI) in each market and lead meetings with markets to review performance and maintain strong relationships
• Ensure inventory is moved to final node in the Supply Chain to meet market demands
• Own CMI & VMI processes at WCH in compliance with process guidelines and monitor the processes on a regular basis

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree required in Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering, or related discipline
• Knowledge of cGMPs, SHE, SOX policies and regulations
• Ability to understand and apply Lean principles
• Systems savvy – ability to become proficient in computer systems and applications
• (3) years experience in Pharmaceutical and/or other industry supply chain management, or related disciplines
• Strong knowledge of production supply chain principles
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve desired business results
• Strong influencing, negotiation, interpersonal, and communications skills
• Ability to work in and direct cross-functional teams
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent relationship management skills

Preferred Background:

• Five (5) years experience in supply chain management
• Competent in SAP (ECC, SNP, SMT), TDMS, BW, XMii, Gazelle
• Experience with demand management in a Lean Manufacturing/Operations setting
• Knowledge of the international supply chain operations organization and strategy
• APICS Certification

Internal/External Contacts & Customers:

• PET Leadership
• Material Issuers
• QA Incoming and Laboratories
• T&E organization
• Procurement
• Global AstraZeneca supply sites
• Supply Chain Analysts and Specialists
• UK Toll Operations
• External material suppliers
• Customer & Supplier Account Managers

Next Steps – Apply today!

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete the full application on our website at your earliest convenience – it is the only way that our Recruiter and Hiring Manager can know that you feel well qualified for this opportunity.  If you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this posting with them.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.