Material Planner

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the biggest tea business in the world, with world class purpose driven brands such as Lipton, PG Tips and Pukka. As Lipton Teas and Infusions we are united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants.

In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the LIPTON Teas and Infusions (formally ekaterra) business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, Lipton T&I is even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, LIPTON Teas and Infusions is a profitable and growing business whose brands reach hundreds of millions of consumers. It has a presence in over 100 countries.

At LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we work alongside people who put consumer love at the heart of every decision. Diverse minds who celebrate new ideas, share our values and the commitment we have for the wellbeing of all. In return, we create an environment that gives our people space and freedom, where they can grow as leaders. A connected community where ideas can thrive. Where you explore new challenges. Learning all you need to master your field, and even more about yourself.

Be part of this amazing blend. Join our collective and help us grow a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

Job Title: Material Planner

Job Status: Full-time, Permanent

Work location: Suffolk, VA; Onsite

Your Role

Based full-time at the Suffolk Lipton factory Warehouse the Material Planner will be a member of the Manufacturing Warehouse Team and will report to the Warehouse Lead in Suffolk Plant.

You will be the Warehouse Support for receiving of Tea and Ordering from 3rd party warehouse, Cogis, PSA & Tea Inventory for the site together with the site leadership team will be responsible for the overall health of the tea inventory.

The primary purpose of this position is to manage the sourcing of raw and packaging materials into Suffolk to support the production of finished goods for the Tea category, perform expediting and de-expediting of raw and packaging materials to support the plant production schedule and customer service while optimizing inventory levels. This will require working with procurement and suppliers to improve vendor reliability and responsiveness.

This position acts as a focal point in managing the MRP process, a key step within the E2E Supply Chain Planning pillar. The key metrics of this role are 1) Customer Service 2) Waste reduction 3) Materials inventory management.

Your key responsibilities:

Good Receipts, Ordering & Inventory:

· Evaluate material requirements based on system generated MRP and requisition materials accordingly.

· Expedite and de-expedite raw and package materials to support and maintain a

flexible production schedule while communicating with Business Units and

support departments to achieve customer satisfaction.

· Monitor raw and package inventory to achieve continuous improvement in

inventory optimization. Maintain and utilize inventory models.

· Interface with Procurement, Supply Chain Planning, Suppliers, R&D, Logistics.

· Maintain Bills of Material, material master data, factory invoices and internal KPI’s.

· Ensure GR of tea and labeling at 3 party warehouses

· Return tea to 3 party warehouses based on usage

· Assist with inventory of tea and cycle counts

· Ensure PSA in blending is maintained daily of items not being utilized

· Apply World Class Manufacturing principles to identify major loss areas and

facilitate process improvement.

· Perform Inventory control tea and pack materials

· Order of CUC material and disposition

· Develop of specialty Tea schedule based on 2-week plan

· Develop Kraft sack schedule based on 2-week plan

· Setup FIFO of teas for long-term

· Investigate main blending issues with Hus and tea trailer, silo consumption and

usage

Skills and experience:

Position requires a high degree of understanding of material planning and SAP ECC, APO and Sales Force. Being able to balance objectives of different teams that are sometimes at tension with each other and influencing a group of practitioners to change behaviors even though you do not have direct authority over them will be critical to success.

· Bachelor’s degree with focus in an analytical discipline required (e.g. Logistics, applied sciences, computer science, math, statistics, economics, engineering, etc.). Advanced degree a plus.

· A minimum of 3 – 4 years’ experience in supply chain with at least 2 – 3 years in material requirements planning.

· Knowledge of SAP ECC a must.

· Understanding of data-mining techniques and statistical methods a plus.

· SAP Certification a plus.

A Great Place to Grow 

Here at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we grow a world of wellbeing to generate value for all. 

• Grow your LEADERSHIP – Thought leader or people leader, we want to help you to truly realise your potential. With a strong internal nurturing network and a focus on your development, you can grow your leadership with us. When you grow, the world around you will grow.


• Grow your VALUE - To foster your learning, we offer big, fulfilling roles within an empowering and entrepreneurial climate. You will have the space to take ownership and to make your mark – and you will be rewarded for the value that you create.


• Grow your IMPACT – We are unique in our industry - from our tea estates to our factories, labs and offices, we innovate sustainably and drive value for all. We grow a world of wellbeing, from seed to sip. You can truly leave your mark on our company and on the planet -through the meaningful work that you do. 

Benefits & Perks 

• Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental + disability and life Insurance


• 401(k) with 5% company matching + an extra 4% after your first year


• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Accounts


• Generous time off including paid vacation, company holidays, and floating holidays


• Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary


• Learning and development reimbursement

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.