Inventory & Planning Specialist (FTC)

About Quaker Houghton

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world's largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates.

About the Role

As an Inventory & Planning Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting production planning, inventory management, and supply chain operations across our EMEA network. Working closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Customer Service, R&D, Commercial Operations, and Master Data teams, you will help ensure the efficient flow of materials and products while supporting customer demand and operational performance.

In addition to planning and inventory responsibilities, this position will play an important role in supporting a strategic EMEA Unit of Measure (UoM) Harmonization Project. You will help coordinate and consolidate master data across a large and complex product portfolio, ensuring consistency and accuracy across our planning and ERP systems.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract offering a unique opportunity to combine supply chain planning, inventory management, master data governance, and project coordination within a global manufacturing environment.

What will you do?

Production Planning & Inventory Management

• Support production planning activities to ensure materials and products are available to meet customer demand.

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate material replenishment activities in partnership with Procurement and Manufacturing teams.

• Process planning data, maintain planning parameters, and support supply chain execution within JDE.

• Partner with stakeholders across Manufacturing, Warehouse, Customer Service, Procurement, and Commercial teams to proactively manage supply and inventory challenges.

EMEA Master Data & UoM Harmonization Project

• Play a key role in a strategic EMEA Unit of Measure (UoM) Harmonization Project, supporting the consolidation and standardization of master data across a large product portfolio.

• Review, maintain, and improve supply chain and product master data to ensure consistency, accuracy, and effective planning processes.

• Collaborate with Planning, Master Data, R&D, Manufacturing, and Commercial Operations teams to support project delivery and business alignment.

Continuous Improvement & Project Support

• Analyze inventory and planning data to identify opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies.

• Support cross-functional supply chain projects and initiatives across the EMEA region.

What are we looking for?

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree (HBO level) in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in supply chain, planning, logistics, inventory management, or a related field, or a recent graduate with a relevant degree.

• Experience within a manufacturing, chemical, industrial, or production environment.

• Understanding of inventory management, MRP/DRP concepts, and production planning principles.

• Experience with ERP systems and planning tools is preferred. Experience with Slimstock is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

• Reliable, proactive, and able to work collaboratively across teams.

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other business applications.

Languages

• Professional proficiency in English is required. Dutch highly desirable.

Location

• Based in or able to commute to the Uithoorn area 3 times per week.

What do we offer?

• Hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Health insurance, pension plan, and additional benefits.

• Two paid volunteer days per year to support a cause of your choice.

• "Dress for your day" policy.

• Access to QH University (500+ learning programs) and career development opportunities.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and recognition initiatives, including Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen, and PRIDE employee resource groups, as well as Global Giving and Impact Awards programs.

About Us

We are the global leader in industrial process fluids present in 40+ countries continually improving and innovating so the world's steel, aluminum, automotive, aircraft, machinery and industrial parts manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our chemists, engineers and industry experts partner with our customers to continually improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.

Our values: Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity, Do Great Things Together, Act with Integrity.

EEO: Quaker Houghton is committed to equal employment opportunities and a workplace free of discrimination. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, age, disability, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. In line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the salary range for this role is disclosed before the interview to support transparency and consistency in our hiring process. Candidates will not be asked about their salary history. Our company uses a structured job level and salary band framework to support objective and consistent compensation decisions.