Senior Planner

Senior Planner, Materials Management

We are advancing RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics to improve outcomes for patients with serious diseases. We bring together scientific innovation, operational excellence, and collaboration to make a meaningful difference for patients around the world.

Position Overview

Hybrid schedule: 2 days onsite required

• Thursdays are mandatory onsite
• Second onsite day is flexible

Manager strongly prefers candidates who value onsite collaboration

• Candidates willing to come onsite more frequently (3–4 days/week) is ideal
• Tight-knit, highly collaborative team environment

Standard hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Some flexibility available
• No weekend work required

Target start: ASAP

• Interviews
• 3 ROUNDS (1X1, Panel, 1x1)
• Interviews will be conducted via Zoom
• Final round includes interview with manager based in Amsterdam

Core Responsibilities

This role will own a portfolio of specialty raw materials, including volatile and expensive materials. Responsibilities include:

• Managing production schedules and forecasting
• Performing analytics with limited or incomplete data
• Supporting new chemistries/material launches
• Communicating material status updates to stakeholders
• Working cross-functionally with internal and external manufacturing teams
• Managing purchase orders (POs) and invoicing
• Supporting strategic materials planning
• Developing reporting and planning analysis

The manager emphasized the need for someone comfortable:

• Making informed assumptions with limited data
• Thinking creatively and analytically
• Operating in complex manufacturing/supply chain environments

Required Skills & Experience

Top Must-Haves

Supply Chain / Materials Planning Experience

• Strong background in:
• Supply Chain Management
• Materials Planning
• Buyer/Planner functions
• Manufacturing environments

Analytical & Forecasting Skills

• Experience with:
• Forecasting
• Production scheduling
• Reporting/analytics
• Data-driven decision making
• Must be comfortable working with incomplete data sets

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience dealing with difficult customers/stakeholders
• Highly collaborative and cross-functional mindset
• Team-player mentality is critical

Technical Requirements

Required Tools

• SAP
• Power BI
• Advanced Excel skills including:
• Excel Macros
• Creating and troubleshooting macro-enabled spreadsheets
• Microsoft VBA

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Major in Supply Chain Management

Preferred Certifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• APICS

Experience Level

• Target range: 4–7 years
• Open to candidates with significantly more experience (10–15+ years)

Key Takeaways from Hiring Manager

Strong Candidate Indicators

• Manufacturing/supply chain planning background
• Analytical thinker comfortable with ambiguity
• Strong communication skills
• Collaborative/team-oriented
• Willingness to be onsite beyond minimum requirements
• Experience supporting strategic or specialty materials

Plays an important role in supporting material availability across internal and external manufacturing operations. In this role, you will work closely with Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, Development, Regulatory, Clinical, and Commercial teams to translate demand into material strategies, strengthen inventory performance, and help deliver reliable supply.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Planning & Material Strategy

• Partner with Global Supply Planning, Development, and Manufacturing teams to turn demand assumptions into material plans.
• Manage material planning and procurement activities in support of manufacturing schedules and MRP requirements.
• Contribute to the S&OP process and build strong cross-functional relationships across the business.

Inventory & System Management

• Maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for commercial and development products.
• Help optimize safety stock, reorder points, and replenishment parameters to support reliable supply.
• Monitor SAP transactions and material flow to support inventory accuracy and continuity of supply.
• Manage raw material inventory to balance service, risk, and excess exposure.

Procurement & Supplier Coordination

• Create purchase requisitions and purchase orders for direct materials and help expedite critical orders when needed.
• Work with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to resolve invoice and supply issues.

Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Support scenario planning, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of experience in supply chain planning, materials management, or a related role in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or another regulated manufacturing environment; or a master's degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of materials planning, inventory control, procurement coordination, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage risk, resolve material issues, and improve planning accuracy.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing, GMP principles, and new product introduction.
• Experience working with ERP systems, ideally SAP, along with strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or MBA preferred.
• A thoughtful, detail-oriented, and adaptable approach to both routine and non-routine responsibilities.