Materials Planning Manager

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

About the Role

We’re recruiting a Materials Planning Manager to join the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) function at Saputo Dairy Australia. This is a senior leadership role responsible for end‑to‑end materials planning and the direct procurement of finished goods through third‑party manufacturers, operating within a complex, fast‑moving FMCG environment.

Reporting to the Head of Sales & Operations Planning, this role plays a critical part in ensuring production and supply plans are fully supported while optimising inventory levels, working capital, and service performance. The Materials Planning Manager leads a team of MRP Planners and owns the accuracy, quality, and execution of raw ingredient, packaging, and third‑party finished goods replenishment.

This is not a purely strategic or purely people‑leadership role. It requires a leader who is comfortable operating at both a strategic and detailed level — providing direction, challenging the status quo, and getting into the detail when required to ensure plans align across Materials Planning, Supply Planning, and Procurement. Success in the role will be driven by strong planning capability, commercial acumen, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment where priorities and assumptions can change quickly.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of MRP Planners, setting clear priorities while remaining hands‑on where required
• Own the accuracy and execution of materials and finished goods replenishment plans across the planning horizon
• Optimise inventory levels and working capital while supporting production and supply plans
• Actively manage supply risks, including shortages, surpluses, write‑offs, air freight, and slow‑moving inventory
• Partner cross‑functionally and contribute to S&OP and NPD processes to ensure alignment and continuity of supply

About You

• Proven experience in materials planning, supply planning, or MRP leadership within FMCG or complex manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of end‑to‑end planning, inventory management, and working capital optimisation
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and influence cross‑functional stakeholders in dynamic environments
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands‑on problem solving and execution
• Commercially and analytically strong, with a continuous improvement mindset; SAP experience preferred but not essential

What We Offer

• A senior materials planning leadership role with genuine operational impact and accountability
• Exposure to a complex FMCG supply chain with significant scale and variety
• Opportunity to lead and shape how materials planning operates within the S&OP function
• Strong cross‑functional visibility and engagement with operational and commercial leaders

Click “Apply for this job” to submit your application. Applicants must have full Australian working rights.

Saputo Dairy Australia is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Circle Back Initiative Employer — we commit to responding to every applicant.

As a leading dairy processor in Australia, Saputo produces, markets, and distributes a variety of products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Devondale, Liddells, CHEER, Mersey Valley and Tasmanian Heritage. Our people bring these popular brands to life, while servicing our farming communities and through our AG Warehouse network.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.