We recruit the best talent and invest in their ongoing development, through training and mentoring. We provide opportunities to work across our national network. dnata catering U.S. is looking for a Materials Planning Specialist to join our Houston, TX  team supporting the George Bush International Airport.

This role is responsible for demand planning, supply planning, performance reporting and cross-functional collaboration. Activities include compiling, calculating and reviewing demand plans, analysing and setting inventory policies and placing purchase orders with suppliers to fulfil forecasted requirements.

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

• Manages the cross functional flow of data to support demand and supply planning execution at all stages of the product life cycle (Phase In, Current, Phase Out, Obsolete) 
• Manages product requirements of forecasts, correlate forecast requirements and ordering parameters, and distribution constraints to optimize supply chain performance.
• Collaborates with Corporate Procurement, Finance, and Operations to suggest, align on, and implement inventory policies that meet the Company’s performance objectives.
• Generates purchase orders in adherence with safety stock policies to ensure product is available through the supply chain to meet consumption requirements.
• Manages stock levels in the storeroom to optimize storage and handling cost requirements.
• Proactively identifies possible stock-out situations and suggest action plan to rectify.
• Manages the design and execution of complex recovery plans in the event of a projected service failure.
• Maintains working relationship with supplier base and leverages Corporate Procurement support in the event of performance failures.
• Designs and executes reporting to measure network health, forecast accuracy and variability, order fill rate, expired stock value, and supplier performance.
• Identify quantities and delivery schedules of materials to optimise orders for delivery and timings to meet forecast requirements.
• Analyse Production Planning reports and directives to ensure materials planning supports business requirements.
• Work with Category Management and Storeroom staff to identify root cause of materials shortages and develop plans with appropriate suppliers to address.
• Ensure information to be included on Purchase orders is full and complete to meet vendor criteria and system requirements.
• Ensure Purchase Orders raised are accurate and address specific supplier requirements and agreements.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Comply with Corporate and Divisional Services Standards
• Ensure dnata catering Policies and Procedures are adhered to in all activities.
• Support and enhance a safe working environment in accordance with dnata catering policies and procedures.

This salary range and is influenced by the level of experience. When calculating the base pay, we take into account various factors such as location, qualifications, training, and experience as part of the overall compensation package.

• Demonstrated success in a similar role.
• Excellent time management with the ability to prioritise high workload.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles and cost driving factors.
• Ability to build rapport with staff members across the company hierarchy with effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft office with advanced Excel skills.
• Confident approach and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Experience in Purchasing with an ERP system implementation and maintenance.
• Proven experience in Material or production planning
• Strong analytical and administrative skills
• Experience working in the catering industry and/or Food Manufacturing is highly regarded.

Intellectual/Social demands:

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits.  Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.

Work environment:

The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud.

dnata’s Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:

There are two aspects to working as effectively as we can: our people and our results. Our eight competencies are designed to help you focus on these aspects:

Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position:

Employees at dnata are expected to live our Values of Safety and Security, performance-driven, Service Excellence, Delighting Customers, Imagination, and respect. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone:

• We put safety and security first in all our actions.
• We will set challenging goals and meet them.
• We deliver to a consistently high quality.
• We take ownership and responsibility of a situation until it is resolved.
• We are not afraid of failure and learn through our mistakes.
• We respect each other regardless of background.

We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. At dnata, we’re proud that our workforce is as diverse as the customers we serve. And we’re committed to nurturing your talent with mentoring, volunteer, and professional development opportunities. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion at dnata.