- Production Planning / Procurement / Manufacturing Administration / Japanese & German Speaking -
A Japanese industrial products manufacturer operating across Europe is currently seeking a Production Planning & Procurement Coordinator to join its team due to continued business growth.
The company imports raw materials from Japan, processes them at its manufacturing facility in Germany according to customer specifications, and supplies finished products to customers across Europe.
This is a broad coordination role covering production planning, procurement, inventory control and manufacturing administration. As the company operates with a relatively small team, the successful candidate will be expected to work flexibly across different areas and act as a key link between the production floor and back-office functions.
The company places strong importance on understanding its manufacturing processes. Therefore, the successful candidate will undertake practical training on the production floor for a certain period after joining the company.
(Ref: MI47659 - Please include this when making any enquiries.)

Main Responsibilities
Production Planning
• Review and coordinate production schedules based on customer orders
• Coordinate production plans with production lines and shift leaders
• Monitor production volumes and progress
• Check stock levels of raw materials, finished products and packaging materials
• Manage production instructions and production-related data
• Coordinate manufacturing and shipment schedules to meet delivery deadlines
Procurement
• Place orders for raw materials with the Japan head office and external suppliers
• Order packaging materials and other production-related supplies
• Manage order quantities, delivery schedules and stock levels
• Coordinate delivery dates with suppliers
• Liaise internally and externally regarding shipments of raw materials from Japan
Manufacturing Administration / Back Office
• Input and maintain production and inventory data
• Prepare reports and other production-related documentation
• Coordinate between the production floor and back-office teams
• Liaise with colleagues and stakeholders in Japan
• Communicate with customers, suppliers and logistics providers
• Provide general administrative and operational support as required
Production Floor Support
• Complete practical training on the production floor after joining
• Develop an understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, products and raw materials
• Support production operations when necessary
Ideal Candidate
Essential
• Business level of fluency in both Japanese and German
• The right to work in Germany
• Willingness to undertake practical training within the manufacturing environment
• Strong willingness to learn new processes and systems
• Flexible approach and willingness to support a broad range of responsibilities across departments
Desirable
• Experience in production planning or production control
• Experience in purchasing or procurement
• Experience in manufacturing administration
• Experience in Supply Chain, Logistics or Order Management
• Previous experience working within a manufacturing environment
• Experience managing inventory, delivery schedules or production planning
• English language skills
This role would suit someone who:
• Is looking for a stable, long-term career in Germany
• Is interested in manufacturing and hands-on production work
• Prefers an active role rather than a desk-based position
• Has an interest in machinery and how production processes work
• Can take initiative and pay attention to what is happening around them, rather than simply following instructions
• Would like to use both Japanese and German in their work
The company is planning to introduce a new ERP system, so the successful candidate will learn the new system together with existing employees. Previous experience with the specific ERP system is not required.

Conditions
• Location: outskirts of Cologne, Germany
• Working Style: mainly office based, with hybrid working negotiable
• Salary: from €40,000 per annum depending on experience
• Job Type: permanent, full-time
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day plus a 30-minute break (example: 9:00-17:30)
• Start: negotiable
• Benefits: commuting / fuel allowance, company pension, Benefit Card

*Starting at 7:00 or 8:00 may also be possible depending on team arrangements. Working hours during the initial production-floor training period will be discussed with the production team.
*Once fully trained and settled into the role, working from home may be discussed depending on business needs. However, as close coordination with the production site is important, candidates who can commute to the site regularly will be preferred.
*A Christmas bonus may also be paid depending on company performance.
* All applicants for the Production Planning / Manufacturing Administration must have the right to work in the country as the Company is NOT able to offer visa support.
* We regret that we cannot accept applications from Working holiday, Graduate or Student visa holders.