Role summary
the pilot plant engineer - materials management is a pivotal role within the r&d ecosystem, responsible for the end-to-end orchestration of raw materials and packaging supplies required for pilot plant trials. You will bridge the gap between innovation and execution by managing complex global supply chains (including china, brazil, and the us), maintaining trial schedules, and leading the digitalization of warehouse processes. This role requires a blend of technical engineering knowledge, procurement expertise, and high-level negotiation skills to ensure that gtech’s experimental lines run without interruption.
key responsibilities
* trial coordination & scheduling: manage and update the pilot plant trial calendar for personal care, ensuring all logistical prerequisites are met for seamless experimentation.
* global supply chain management: lead the procurement and tracking of raw materials and packaging from internal focus factories and international sites (china, brazil, cambridge, greenwood).
* operational excellence: oversee the r&d laboratory within the pilot plant, ensuring 100% compliance with safety standards, quality protocols (sops), and 5s methodology.
* budgetary control: monitor critical spending lines by comparing actual expenditures against the budget for all gtech cost centers.
* inventory & logistics: manage raw material inventories, coordinate international imports/exports, and oversee transportation suppliers between local sites (antara and pilot plant).
* digital transformation: drive continuous improvement initiatives by digitalizing material reception procedures and optimizing the "end-to-end" delivery flow to the final user.
required qualifications
* education: bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or a related global tech discipline.
* experience: 2–3 years of experience in supply chain planning, procurement, or materials management.
* language: advanced english proficiency (written and spoken) is mandatory for frequent interaction with global stakeholders.
* technical proficiency: solid experience using sap and ariba (or similar inventory control and po systems); advanced excel and google workspace tools.
desired qualifications
* logistics expertise: proven experience in international trade and logistics coordination.
* leadership: demonstrated ability to lead projects, take initiative, and work with minimal supervision.
* soft skills: strong negotiation, influence, and communication skills to navigate internal and external partnerships effectively.
* problem solving: a proactive mindset with the ability to identify bottlenecks and eliminate barriers in the supply chain process.
* continuous improvement: familiarity with digitalization of warehouse operations.