Planning and Purchasing Specialist

JT International S.A.•Chapel Hill, NC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Planning and Purchasing Specialist will coordinate and execute all planning and purchasing activities related to material requirements. This role involves managing and continuously optimizing short- and long-term MRP processes, including supplier forecasts, purchase order placement, price and material master data maintenance, and the monitoring of safety stock and shelf life. The specialist will ensure efficient management of NTM and tobacco inventories within the factory warehouse to support operational continuity and minimize waste.

Requirements

University degree, preferably in Economics
At least two years of experience in a planning function
Fluent written and spoken English
Strong communication, organization and cross-functional collaboration skills
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
Working knowledge of SAP
Flexible and comfortable adapting to changing operational priorities

Nice To Haves

Cross-functional exposure is an advantage

Responsibilities

Execute and coordinate non-tobacco and tobacco components: short, mid and long term material requirements planning based on market requirements, specs, NPD plans, inventory targets, sourcing and lead times, optimum lot size & transport unit load factors, materials shelf life etc.
Continuously analyze and optimize materials requirements and inventory turnover, ensuring minimum materials write-offs.
Ensure timely and accurate material purchasing by managing order confirmations, expediting purchase orders, monitoring deliveries, handling material defects, resolving invoice and goods-receipt issues, and maintaining relevant SAP data.
Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to maintain uninterrupted procurement and payment processes, control transportation costs, and ensure shipping documents meet customs requirements.
Manage PLM tasks processing and coordinate material readiness for new launches/machinery run-ability.
Analyze specifications and provide proposals on cost optimization.
Support all Global and Local NTM projects and tests, their implementation and coordination of such projects in the factory.
Support respective factory functions in achieving materials inventory targets and bringing inventories down by seeking opportunities with suppliers (e.g., vendor managed inventory or kanban ordering systems).
Ensure that all defective raw materials are addressed to suppliers in a timely manner and that corrective and preventative actions are taken by suppliers.
Organize suppliers technical visits when required to support production.
Ensure timely recording and completion of the Defective NTM procedure.
Drive continuous improvement across the area while maintaining accurate SAP material master data and completing planning activities within the monthly IBP cycle.
Perform all responsibilities safely and in full compliance with JTI policies, EHS requirements, labor law, internal procedures, ISO standards and 5S3R principles, supporting the factory’s ZERO LTI objective.
Complete additional priorities assigned by the Manager.