Procurement Planner

The Procurement Planner is responsible for ensuring raw materials, components and sub-assemblies are delivered to the Cambridge production sites to support production needs, at optimal efficiency. This role requires deep knowledge of RIMOWA’s supply chain and production operations, expertise in assigned commodities, and the ability to deploy inventory strategies, manage product changes, resolve exceptions, and drive supplier execution.

• Define manufacturing needs for components based on production plans, stock, lead times and stock policy.
• Create and deploy supply requirements via MRP to meet production, inventory and cost objectives.
• Expedite or defer orders to maintain production flow and optimize inventory.
• Manage inter‑company material flow between warehouse locations.
• Resolve purchase order issues, invoice discrepancies, returns and quality problems with suppliers.

• Determine optimal inventory levels based on forecast, demand variation and material lead times.
• Set up and maintain material master planning parameters such as MOQ, lead time and safety stocks.
• Coordinate material flows during product‑BOM changes, obsolescence and introduction of new suppliers.
• Manage engineering changes to minimize obsolete inventory and ensure continuous supply.
• Apply analytics to meet inventory service level goals while minimizing costs and obsolescence.

• Build and maintain operational partnerships with suppliers, serving as the primary interface for delivery status, issues and resolution.
• Actively source new local suppliers for cost savings and carbon‑footprint reduction.
• Assess and manage supplier compliance with environmental and future standards.
• Coordinate supplier ramp‑up and ramp‑down for new product launches.

• Identify and implement improvement processes in collaboration with the Plant Scheduling team.
• Lead cost‑reduction initiatives by analysing supplier and internal procurement processes.
• Collaborate with internal customers, providing high‑level service and recommending supply solutions.
• Support supply‑chain functions such as shipping, receiving, material handling and scheduling.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a supply‑chain role at a direct manufacturer.
• Expertise in forecasting, MRP/ERP, transportation, inventory management, bills of material and procure‑to‑pay processes.
• Fluent English;
  French and/or German spoken/written is an asset.
• CPIM or APICS training preferred; CPSM, CPPB or SCMP are additional assets.
• High energy, diplomacy, and cooperative style with the ability to influence others.

• Analytical problem‑solving ability to gather, organise and interpret data for decision making.
• Adaptability and forecasting skill to manage changing demands and new technologies.
• Risk management knowledge for supplier disruptions and currency fluctuations.
• Contract management awareness for compliance and invoice evaluation.
• Market research capability to identify and evaluate suppliers, trends and cost‑effective strategies.
• Strong understanding of procurement and inventory processes.
• Customer‑focused approach to meet expectations.
• Agility in juggling multiple roles and adapting to shifting priorities.
• Team collaboration and independent work capability.
• Strategic thinking for cost‑effective planning.