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Material Planner, Ingredients

Suffolk, VA

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

 

As the Material Planner – Ingredients, you will manage raw material requirements for Lipton’s Suffolk, VA manufacturing site. You will partner closely with suppliers, procurement, supply planning, factory planning, Research & Innovation (R&I), quality, and production teams to ensure timely and cost-effective availability of ingredients to support production needs.

You will own material ordering and inventory strategies, provide visibility into demand and requirement changes, and help the business balance service, cost, and inventory risk. This role is critical to ensuring uninterrupted production while driving continuous improvement in material planning processes.

 

Your Key Responsibilities:

 

  • Plan and manage raw material requirements and purchase orders for ingredients
  • Develop and maintain effective raw material inventory strategies
  • Ensure material availability to support upcoming production schedules
  • Analyze demand fluctuations and provide insights to support proactive business decisions
  • Make strategic decisions related to minimum order quantities and safety stock, balancing inventory cost, service level, and warehouse constraints
  • Coordinate urgent inbound deliveries to support production needs
  • Identify and manage slow-moving or obsolete inventory, including run-out strategies
  • Partner with Research & Innovation to update Bills of Materials (BOMs) for material transitions or obsolescence
  • Generate and maintain accurate Bills of Materials and communicate changes to Quality and Production teams
  • Support inventory counts and reconciliation activities as needed

 

 

Skills and Experience:

 

  • Experience in material planning, supply chain planning, or production operations within a manufacturing environment
  • Strong understanding of MRP/MPS concepts, inventory management, and supply-demand balancing
  • Proven ability to analyze demand variability, lead times, and inventory drivers to make data-driven planning decisions
  • Experience partnering with suppliers and procurement to manage service levels, constraints, and supply risk
  • Ability to manage material transitions, substitutions, and obsolescence with minimal production disruption
  • Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities
  • Clear and effective communication skills; able to translate planning impacts to cross-functional stakeholders
  • Continuous improvement mindset with experience identifying and implementing process improvements
  • Agile, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis) and comfort working with large data sets
  • Experience with SAP S/4HANA or similar production ERP systems preferred
  • Experience with SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) preferred

 

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.

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