Supply Chain

Company Introduction

SmartEnds is one of Belgium's fastest-growing scale-ups, founded in 2017. We operate across multiple industries including smart cities, waste collection, automotive, and logistics.

As a leader in IoT-based waste management, SmartEnds delivers advanced solutions powered by edge computing, cloud technology, and highly optimized sensors. Our flagship platform,
BrighterBins
, is the most comprehensive and modular IoT system for smart waste management, integrating camera, laser, ultrasonic, and GPS sensors.

About the Role

We are looking for a
highly experienced Supply Chain & Production Planning Specialist
who can take ownership of our global supply chain operations across China, Vietnam, and Europe.

This role requires
deep expertise in production planning, delivery planning, forecasting, BOM management, and working with OEM/ODM partners
. You will be responsible for ensuring that our production centers deliver on time, at the right cost, with the right quality — while keeping inventory optimized and aligned with customer demand.

This is a strategic, analytical, and hands-on role with significant ownership.

Key Responsibilities
1. Global Shipping, Delivery Planning & Logistics

• Own end-to-end logistics from factories in China/Vietnam to customers globally.
• Build and maintain delivery plans in alignment with production schedules and customer commitments.
• Ensure seamless execution of DDP/DAP shipments, customs documentation, invoices, and compliance.
• Troubleshoot delivery issues proactively with logistics partners.
• Continuously optimize shipping costs and transit times.

2. Production Planning & Execution

• Develop, maintain, and execute the
  Master Production Plan (MPP)
  with production partners.
• Align production forecasts with sales pipeline, confirmed orders, and safety stock targets.
• Break down production demand into
  weekly and monthly execution plans
  .
• Monitor factory output, bottlenecks, component availability, and quality status.
• Maintain clear visibility on production WIP and ensure deadlines are consistently met.

3. Inventory Control & Stock Allocation

• Maintain accurate stock levels across multiple locations (China, Vietnam, EU).
• Allocate stock intelligently for customer deliveries, production runs, and buffer levels.
• Manage safety stock, reorder points, and replenishment cycles.
• Use data-driven insights to avoid shortages, overstocking, and cash flow impact.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and drive corrective actions.

4. Demand Forecasting & Capacity Planning

• Build demand forecasts based on sales trends, seasonality, project timelines, and historical patterns.
• Translate forecasts into component requirements, production capacity needs, and procurement schedules.
• Provide forecasting accuracy reports to management and suggest improvements.
• Work closely with sales and operations to ensure alignment between forecasted and actual demand.

5. BOM, Product Structure & Change Management

• Maintain accurate and version-controlled
  Bill of Materials (BOM)
  for all BrighterBins products.
• Coordinate engineering changes (ECNs) with R&D, ensuring suppliers and production partners adopt updates.
• Verify costing, substitutions, component compatibility, and lifecycle management.
• Ensure production centers comply with the correct BOM version and documentation.

6. Supplier, OEM/ODM & Manufacturing Partner Management

• Manage strong working relationships with OEM/ODM partners in China and Vietnam.
• Evaluate suppliers based on quality, lead times, pricing, and reliability.
• Lead supplier negotiations on cost, MOQ, tooling, NRE, and delivery timelines.
• Support NPI (New Product Introduction) by aligning suppliers on component availability, prototypes, and production readiness.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and corrective actions.

7. Digital Tools, ERP & Process Optimization

• Use ERP and digital dashboards to manage production plans, stock, and procurement pipelines.
• Automate reports for inventory, lead times, production progress, and supply delays.
• Implement SOPs and streamlined workflows for forecasting, production planning, and logistics.
• Identify operational gaps and drive continuous improvements for better supply chain visibility.

Your Profile

• Bachelor's/Master's in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Electronics, or related field.
• 2-3 years of proven experience
  in supply chain & production planning (preferably in IoT, electronics, or hardware manufacturing).
• Expert in demand forecasting, inventory control, production planning, and supplier management.
• Strong understanding of BOM management, ECN processes, and electronic component sourcing.
• Hands-on experience working with Chinese/Vietnamese production partners and OEM/ODM factories.
• Proficient in Excel/Google Sheets; strong experience with ERP platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Structured, analytical, and able to manage complex projects independently.
• Passionate about technology, IoT, and operational excellence.

What We Offer

• A high-impact leadership-oriented role within a fast-scaling global company.
• Direct collaboration with engineering, operations, and international suppliers.
• Freedom to build processes, optimize systems, and lead improvements.
• Flexible working environment with potential travel to China/Vietnam/Belgium.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• A purpose-driven mission to build smarter, greener, and cleaner cities.