Materials Planner

Job Description

Role Overview

You know that person in every company who just keeps things moving? The one who knows where every order is, calls the supplier before they have to be chased, builds a tracking sheet because no one else will, and somehow keeps ten things on track at the same time?
That's who we're looking for. We call it the Chief Cat Herder. You might call it supply chain. Either way, if you're the kind of person who brings order to busy environments and actually enjoys it, keep reading.
 
We're a manufacturing company in Amsterdam. We design and deliver architectural products to customers in over 20 countries. We're growing, which means things are busy, the work is varied, and we need someone who thrives in that environment.
 
This role is procurement, shipping, inventory, and vendor management all in one. There's no ERP. There's no team of five beneath you. There's Excel, a phone, and the expectation that you will figure it out and keep everyone informed while you do.

What you'll own

• Procurement. You plan purchases around project timelines and cash flow realities. You don't just place orders when someone asks, you anticipate what's needed and when. You negotiate with suppliers, split orders when necessary, and find ways to keep materials flowing without blowing the budget. 

• Shipping. You manage international shipments end to end, ensuring orders reach our global customer base on time. Documentation, customs, carrier coordination, tracking, problem resolution, you own all of it. We ship low volume but high value, so accuracy and timeliness matter. A late or incorrect shipment doesn't just cost money, it damages customer relationships that took years to build.
  

• Inventory. You maintain clear visibility on what we have, what's coming, and what's needed. You build and maintain a system that works with the tools available and you keep it current.
  Vendor relationships. You are the main point of contact for our suppliers and logistics partners. You build relationships that get us priority when we need it and you address problems directly instead of letting them drift. 
  

• Communication. You keep production, project management, and leadership informed. When something is delayed, at risk, or wrong, you say so immediately with a proposed solution. No surprises.
   
  

You'll be great at this if you:

Are the kind of person who writes the checklist, not the kind who waits for one. Can juggle multiple priorities without dropping any. Actually enjoy bringing structure to a fast-moving environment. Communicate clearly and early, especially when something is going wrong. Stay calm when a shipment is stuck in customs and production needs it yesterday. Can negotiate with a supplier at 9 AM and update a spreadsheet at 9:15. Don't need to be told to follow up, you just do it.
 
What we're looking for

Someone organized, sharp, and proactive. You don't need 15 years in supply chain or a certification wall. You need to be the kind of person who takes ownership, figures things out, stays calm under pressure, and doesn't let things slip.
 
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Comfortable building processes from scratch using simple tools. Direct communicator who updates people without being asked. Good under pressure, we're a small team and things move fast. Able to negotiate and manage vendor relationships professionally. Experience with international shipping and customs documentation is a plus. Fluent English, business-level Dutch. HBO level education or equivalent practical experience.
 
Based in our Amsterdam office. Must have the right to work in the Netherlands. No visa sponsorship. Room to grow based on performance and demonstrated ownership.