About the role
The Senior Planner is responsible for end-to-end demand and supply planning within Catalite chemicals distribution business. This role ensures optimal inventory levels, high service performance, and alignment with commercial strategies in a regional, matrix organization. The position also leads the S&OP process, enhances planning accuracy, and supports sustainable business growth.
Key Responsibilities
Balance demand and supply to ensure optimal inventory levels and efficient utilization of resources across business units.
Analyze historical sales data, market trends, seasonality, and promotional activities to develop accurate demand forecasts.
Develop and manage inventory replenishment plans considering forecast data, supplier lead times, safety stock, and service level targets.
Utilize ERP systems (D365F&O) and planning tools to generate, track, and manage purchase orders and inventory levels.
Monitor and analyze inventory across business units and product lines, identifying risks of stock shortages or overstock situations.
Identify slow-moving, excess, and obsolete inventory, and collaborate with commercial teams to drive mitigation actions (e.g., promotions, reallocation, phase-out).
Work closely with procurement, commercial, and regional supply chain teams to align supply plans with demand and business strategy.
Lead and coordinate the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, including cross-functional and regional alignment.
Analyze inventory dashboards and key KPIs such as forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, days of inventory on hand (DOH), and service level (OTIF).
Provide regular reports and actionable insights to management to support data-driven decision-making.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement best practices in planning processes in line with Azelis standards.
Skills Required
- Experience in end-to-end demand and supply planning
- Proficiency with ERP systems, specifically D365F&O
- Experience developing demand forecasts using historical sales, seasonality, and promotions
- Ability to develop and manage inventory replenishment plans considering lead times and safety stock
- Experience leading and coordinating S&OP processes across functions and regions
- Experience analyzing inventory KPIs (forecast accuracy, turnover, DOH, OTIF)
- Ability to identify and mitigate slow-moving, excess, or obsolete inventory with commercial teams
- Experience using planning tools to generate, track, and manage purchase orders and inventory
- Strong analytical skills and ability to provide data-driven reports and insights to management
What We Do
As a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, we are committed to creating value for principals and customers whilst providing a great work environment and career opportunities. Azelis has 4,200+ employees across 65 countries worldwide. We work with around 2,800 principals to provide a diverse range of innovative products/services to 63,000+ customers. Our industry-dedicated sales teams have specialist product and application knowledge, combined with business know-how, enabling us to add value in all business relationships. We’re always looking to add new talent to our team and encourage and support the personal and professional growth of all employees. Specialties include: Life Sciences: Personal Care, Home Care & Industrial Cleaning, Pharma & Healthcare, Food & Nutrition, Animal Nutrition, Agricultural & Environmental Industrial Chemicals: CASE, Electronics, Essential Chemicals, Fine Chemicals, Advanced Materials & Additives, Chemicals, Lubricants & Metal Working Fluids, Other Applications, Textiles, Leather & Paper At Azelis, our partnerships with customers and principals remain at the heart of our activities. As a leading global innovation service provider, our entrepreneurial approach to doing business is reflected in our can-do attitude. Across our network of more than 70 application laboratories, our award-winning staff help develop formulations and provide technical guidance along the customers’ product development process. We combine a global market reach with a local footprint to offer a reliable, integrated and unique digital service to customers and attractive business opportunities to principals. Striving to create a positive impact on the environment and communities around the world, we are top-industry-rated by Sustainalytics. Azelis is a leader in sustainability. We aim to provide effective, sustainable, and reliable solutions. Our business is your business
