For over 37 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.

We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet, and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are collectively committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.

Aesop is an endorsed employer for all women. See our range of benefits and policies directly at Work180: Aesop - Work180 Endorsed Employer.

Role Purpose

Aesop are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Manufacturing and Production Planner in a 12-month role operating with a hybrid working pattern, based at our global head office in Collingwood.

Reporting to the CM and Production Planning Manager, you will serve as a key point-of-contact for everything to do with Manufacturing to both external and internal stakeholders. You will be responsible for managing all day-to-day requests of our Manufacturers, serving as a key escalation point and driver for issue resolution, with a key focus on fostering strong relationships and ensuring their success.

You will be responsible for the compilation and execution of the production schedule and forecasts, ensuring the production plan is delivered on-time and in-full, while also ensuring that optimum stock levels are maintained. You will also liaise with key stakeholders to manage priorities of orders and be responsible for its supply to the Aesop network that will be distributed into our markets. In addition, you will drive the implementation and execution of New Product introduction, Reformulations, and Transitions of our products.

To be successful in this role, you are a clear and direct communicator who can effectively advocate for the best solutions, driving performance at all levels. We value the ability to navigate challenging conversations with diplomacy and directness to achieve the right results.

Key responsibilities (not limited to)

• First point of contact internally and externally for BAU topics related to our Manufacturers
• Responsible for generating and managing horizon Production Orders and 12M Forecast for finished goods and semi-finished goods, maintaining optimum levels of inventory in our Distribution Centres
• Monitor and drive Manufacturer performance against KPI targets
• Run weekly Production Meetings with the Manufacturers to discuss the horizon Production Orders and deliveries, in addition to a monthly touchpoint to collaborate on ongoing issues / projects / performance
• Work closely to the Launch Team to ensure New Products / Reformulations / Transitions are delivered on-time; help develop and drive product changes to be delivered on-time and in-full
• Troubleshoot production issues and drive resolution in a timely manner with the necessary stakeholders; this includes a proactive and creative drive to resolve constraints on components / raw materials etc. hindering production so that supply and stock levels are maintained
• Work with Quality/Technical/Compliance, Logistics and Market teams to coordinate any rework and release of Quarantined or Restricted stock

What we are looking for

• Strong supply chain planning experience (Production, Distribution, Materials, etc), preferably within FMCG/Retail 
• Experience in complex or long lead time supply chain processes
• Results driven with exceptional communication skills, and courage to have the tough conversations
• Ability to decisively navigate complex situations to achieve optimal outcomes
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Experience in supplier management
• ERP and Demand/Supply/MRP planning systems experience, exposure to NetSuite and FuturMaster is preferred

What’s on Offer:

At Aesop, we believe that the best people drive our business to continued success and so we take a holistic approach to employment, promoting employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering, matched giving programs. In addition, we offer:

• Flexible working arrangements (we value work-life balance)
• Flexible Fridays (summer hours)
• Generous product discount of up to 50% & complimentary product allocation
• Team lunches, sponsored social clubs, team events, and celebrations
• Parental leave and vaccination leave
• Individual training budget - strong focus on Learning and Development – access to the entire LinkedIn training library suite, and funded training programs
• Home office set-up reimbursements
• Access to Employee Assistance Program along with other wellbeing offerings including a complimentary Headspace subscription

View our benefits/policies and the great work we do through Work180

Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact our TA team on talentacquisition@aesop.com