Production Planning Team Lead

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 colleagues and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

We are currently recruiting for a Production Planning Team Lead to join our Uithoorn site.

Reporting to the Site Supply Chain Manager , you will be responsible for leading the local planning team and creating optimal production plans in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

This role plays a key part in ensuring the efficient use of production capacity, maintaining stock accuracy, and supporting continuous improvement within the site’s supply chain operations.

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid work arrangement possibility, but presence on-site is essential to support operational decision-making

• Competitive incentive programs, health insurance allowance, excellent pension plan, company canteen, language lessons, parking onsite, and other benefits.

• Minimum of 28 days of holidays plus bridge days & buy/sell program.

• 2 days of volunteering leave per year to dedicate to the cause of your choice.

• Access to QH University: continuous online learning and development platform for all levels.

• DEI and Recognition initiatives such as Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen, and PRIDE CRGs, along with our Global Giving and Impact Awards programs.

• Join an evolving company that offers an opportunity to grow—where your contributions truly matter.

What will you do?

• Develop, maintain, and optimize the short, mid, and long‑term production plans taking into account capacity, product type, production methods, and lead times.

• Execute stock management for raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods to avoid shortages and overstock situations.

• Organize and oversee periodic cycle counts and inventory control.

• Lead and coach the Planning Team, ensuring clear objectives, effective communication, and the development of team members.

• Drive performance measurement through KPI setting, monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with internal departments—Manufacturing, Shipping, Customer Service, Sales, Development Labs, and Procurement—to ensure efficient and transparent operations.

• Support budget control and ensure cost-effective use of resources.

• Ensure compliance with Quality, Safety, Environmental, and Health standards, and identify opportunities for improvement in these areas.

What do we look for?

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience (5+ years of related experience preferred).

• Background in production or supply chain planning within a manufacturing or chemical environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured and systematic mindset.

• Proven people management experience, with the ability to coach and develop a small team.

• Experience with ERP systems (JDE preferred) and understanding of S&OP and supply chain processes.

• Continuous improvement mindset; Lean Six Sigma or similar certification preferred.

• Excellent communication skills in English (Dutch would be a plus).

• Collaborative and results-driven, with strong organizational and prioritization abilities.

Who are we?

We are a global leader in industrial process and mechanical engineering, present in 40+ countries. We are continually improving and innovating so that the world’s industrial manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Across more than 100 locations, our engineers, chemists, and experts partner with customers to help them run even more efficiently and effectively—whatever comes next.

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

Our values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions, and inspire us. Our commitment to these values builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton.