Network Planner

Job Description:

Network Planner

Huntsman is seeking a Network Planner supporting the Polyurethanes Division located in San Jose, Costa Rica. This position will report to the S&OP Manager.

Job Scope

The Network Planner is responsible for planning, optimizing, and coordinating the flow of finished goods across the chemical supply network. This role ensures the right product is positioned in the right location to meet customer demand, while minimizing logistics costs, inventory levels, and network inefficiencies. The Network Planner acts as a key link between production planning, logistics, customer service, procurement, and distribution centers.

This role is particularly critical in the chemical industry due to hazardous materials handling, regulatory compliance requirements, complex production cycles, and multi node distribution networks.

In summary, as the Network Planner, you will:

Network & Inventory Planning

• Analyze demand, supply, and inventory signals across multiple distribution centers to determine required stock flows and replenishment strategies.

• Create and manage stock transport orders to ensure product availability across the network.

• Monitor inventory targets, safety stock levels, slow moving materials, and network capacity constraints.

• Support inventory strategy reviews and develop inventory targets aligned with service level and EBITDA goals.

Logistics & Distribution Coordination

• Coordinate product transfers from production plants to distribution centers and between distribution nodes.

• Partner with transportation and warehouse teams to ensure timely flow of finished goods.

• Identify and mitigate risks such as transportation delays, warehouse constraints, or supply disruptions.

Exception & Risk Management

• Review and resolve exceptions related to forecast, sales order conflicts, material availability, and transfer issues at distribution sites.

• Escalate supply, or production related risks to Master Planners as needed.

• Support contingency planning for constrained or disrupted supply.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work with Production Planning, Customer Service, and Commercial teams to align network decisions with overall business demand.

• Support SIOP / S&OP cycles with network level insights on inventory, throughput, and customer service risks.

Data & Systems Management

• Maintain accurate planning master data (lead times, MOQs, safety stocks, replenishment parameters).

• Use ERP/MRP systems (SAP or equivalent) to execute network planning activities.

• Support reporting and KPI tracking (OTIF, inventory health, plan adherence).

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

The candidate must have an unrestricted right to work for Huntsman in Costa Rica.

Candidates must be willing to work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at our office located in AFZ, Heredia. Additional office days may be required as needed or during corporate visits.

Minimum Qualifications

Education required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in supply chain, inventory planning, network planning, or distribution planning (chemical industry experience preferred).

Skills and knowledge

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, particularly in multi node supply chain environments.

• Understanding of MRP / DRP / inventory planning processes.

• High Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP) and advanced Excel or analytical tools.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast paced, cross functional environment.

• Strong communication skills for coordinating with manufacturing, logistics, procurement, and commercial teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM/CSCP) is an advantage.

• Experience working with hazardous materials distribution or regulated chemical products is a plus.

• Experience using Power BI (PBI) for reporting, dashboarding, and data visualization to support network optimization and decision making.

• Exposure to automation tools (e.g., workflow automation, VBA macros, Power Automate, or similar technologies) to streamline planning and reporting processes.

Additional Locations: