Materials Planning Manager

As a Materials Planning Manager at OLIPOP, you'll be responsible for managing the procurement and planning of raw materials and packaging, ensuring they meet production demands while optimizing efficiency. You'll also handle inventory management, supplier relationships, and cost management, all aimed at supporting our innovative beverage production. Your role is crucial in aligning material availability with production schedules to minimize delays and promote sustainability.

Applicants for the Materials Planning Manager role at OLIPOP should have at least 6 years of experience in materials planning, inventory management, or supply chain management, preferably within the CPG or beverage sectors. Strong analytical skills, effective communication, and experience with ERP systems are necessary, along with the ability to thrive in a dynamic remote team environment.

At OLIPOP, the work culture for a Materials Planning Manager is one of collaboration and creativity. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, remote work environment that facilitates personal and professional growth. Our team values open communication, resourcefulness, and the drive to continue improving in all areas of our operations and product offerings.

OLIPOP is committed to sustainability, and as a Materials Planning Manager, you'll play a critical role in this mission. Your responsibilities will include sourcing materials that align with sustainability goals, reducing packaging waste, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. We value innovation and seek materials that support both our health-oriented products and our environmental commitments.

OLIPOP is dedicated to the personal development of its employees, including the Materials Planning Manager. You'll have the opportunity to grow your leadership skills, learn via cross-functional collaboration, and possibly take on mentoring roles. We encourage ongoing education and professional growth within a dynamic and innovative environment.

When asked about your experience, be sure to share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed materials planning. Highlight any direct roles in procurement, inventory management, and forecasting within beverage or CPG segments, explaining how these experiences prepared you for the role at OLIPOP.

Discuss your strategies for building and maintaining supplier relationships, such as effective communication, negotiation skills, and resolving conflicts. Mention any experiences that demonstrate your ability to foster partnerships that promote reliability and quality in material supply.

Outline the forecasting techniques you leverage, including data analysis and collaboration with production teams. Explain how you ensure alignment between production schedules and material requirements, showcasing any systems you're experienced with that help in this process.

Talk about your understanding of sustainable sourcing and how you've integrated sustainability into your planning processes. Give examples of materials or suppliers that aligned with sustainability initiatives and how you measured success.

Provide a specific instance showcasing your problem-solving skills during supply chain disruptions. Discuss the steps you took to mitigate the issue, communication with suppliers, and your ability to maintain production schedules despite challenges.

Share the KPIs you find vital in measuring the success of materials planning, such as inventory turnover rates, cost savings, and supplier performance metrics. Explain how you use this data to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvements.

Describe your methods for prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively, including how you assess urgency and impact on production. Share tools or techniques you use to stay organized and focused amid multiple priorities.

Detail your familiarity with ERP software, particularly in supply chain planning, focusing on any systems you’ve worked with that are similar to those at OLIPOP. Talk about how these systems have enhanced your planning processes.

Elaborate on how strong analytical skills inform your decision-making process in materials planning, citing examples of how analysis has led to improvements in inventory management or cost reductions in previous roles.

Express your enthusiasm for OLIPOP’s mission and values. Discuss how your personal values align with the company’s commitment to health and sustainability and how you believe your skills can contribute to the team’s objectives effectively.