Packaging, Labels & Direct Materials Planner – Africa

About the role

The Africa Packaging, Labels and Direct Materials Planner will be the single point of contact within Bayer's Africa RC Supply Planning team, ensuring accurate planning and execution of label, packaging, and direct material supplies for seed production. This role collaborates across multiple functions to align supply with commercial demand and maintain product integrity.

Key responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional teams (Regulatory, Legal, Marketing, Procurement, Manufacturing) to review seasonal label and packaging requirements while respecting branding guidelines.
• Maintain and update label and packaging plans, communicating changes to procurement, sites, and suppliers.
• Oversee approval processes, version control, and archiving of label and packaging assets.
• Monitor execution of label and packaging supply, flagging risks that could affect production or deliveries.
• Coordinate with EMEA planners to share best practices and standardize designs across sites.
• Support plant operations in improving packaging, printing, and labeling lines and implementing new technologies.
• Track production plans to guarantee direct material availability and balance inventory levels.
• Drive sourcing decisions to minimize stock‑outs and excess inventory, ensuring compliance with expiration or regulatory constraints.
• Provide real‑time visibility of direct material inventories for Bayer and third‑party tollers.
• Assist in defining regional forecasting and in‑sourcing processes for seed growth products.

Required profile

• Proven experience in supply planning for packaging, labels, or direct materials, preferably within the agricultural or seed industry.
• Ability to lead and influence cross‑functional stakeholders across regulatory, legal, marketing, procurement, and manufacturing domains.
• Strong analytical mindset with a focus on inventory optimization and risk mitigation.
• Excellent communication skills to convey plan updates and coordinate actions across regions.

Required skills