Operational Planner

Ghent, Belgium
Job Reference JR0088443
Professional Areas Administrative Support & Facilities
Function Adminstration
Contract Type Permanent
Years of Work Experience 5 - 8
Start date 2025-07-24

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

As an operational planner, you play a central role within our organization, located in the port of Ghent. You are responsible for welcoming drivers at the reception desk and ensuring the correct handling of the associated transport administration. In addition, you contribute to the preparation and follow-up of the operational planning, which includes our blending, tank, production, and loading activities.
In this role, you strive for an optimal balance between quality requirements and operational efficiency. You work closely with various internal departments and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of our processes. Your analytical insight and proactive attitude make you a valuable link in the pursuit of efficient and high-quality operations.

Main Responsibilities: 

  • Reception and support of drivers, transporters (transport documentation & organization for bulk trucks and containers), as well as visitors and contractors
  • Administrative processing of ship unloadings and loadings
  • Maintaining active contact and streamlining communication with warehouses, transporters, cold storage facilities, drivers, and customers (via phone and email)
  • Yard Management of our Ghent site (in coordination with the internal Control Room department), which is crucial due to ISPS regulations (International Ship & Port Facility Security Code)
  • Requesting and handling required certificates from official authorities (e.g., Health Certifications)
  • Inventory and work order management in the ERP system (currently JDE, with a planned transition to SAP)
  • Entering required registrations from cold storage facilities into the designated systems
  • Preparation of loading schedules and loading administration
  • Preparation of blending, tank, and production planning, taking into account quality, product forecasting, ongoing contracts, and current stock levels
  • Participation in Level 1 (toolbox) and Level 2 meetings (QSSHE, Maintenance, Planning, etc.)
  • Supporting improvement processes related to the digitization of administration
  • Supporting and complying with applicable Quality, (Food) Safety, Health, and Environmental regulations and programs
  • To perform their duties, the position holder possesses the following technical skills to support the primary business processes:
  • Bachelor-level thinking (education in Freight Forwarding, Distribution & Transport, Customs, Logistics, etc.)
  • Language skills: Dutch and English; knowledge of other languages is a plus
  • Knowledge of planning, shipping, forwarding, and logistics
  • Basic understanding of customs procedures
  • Proficiency in Excel and planning tools
  • Knowledge of SAP is an asset

Work schedule: Early shift (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM), late shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM), or day shift (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) possible; night shift (10:00 PM – 6:00 AM) only in very exceptional cases

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

What We Offer
We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.


Our Benefits
- A close and warm team
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Fringe benefits such as meal vouchers, hospitalisation and group insurance, ecocheques, salary sacrifice bike lease
- Flexible working
- Pension contributions
- Access to Training and Development

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.


Job Description

As an operational planner, you play a central role within our organization, located in the port of Ghent. You are responsible for welcoming drivers at the reception desk and ensuring the correct handling of the associated transport administration. In addition, you contribute to the preparation and follow-up of the operational planning, which includes our blending, tank, production, and loading activities.
In this role, you strive for an optimal balance between quality requirements and operational efficiency. You work closely with various internal departments and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of our processes. Your analytical insight and proactive attitude make you a valuable link in the pursuit of efficient and high-quality operations.

Main Responsibilities: 

  • Reception and support of drivers, transporters (transport documentation & organization for bulk trucks and containers), as well as visitors and contractors
  • Administrative processing of ship unloadings and loadings
  • Maintaining active contact and streamlining communication with warehouses, transporters, cold storage facilities, drivers, and customers (via phone and email)
  • Yard Management of our Ghent site (in coordination with the internal Control Room department), which is crucial due to ISPS regulations (International Ship & Port Facility Security Code)
  • Requesting and handling required certificates from official authorities (e.g., Health Certifications)
  • Inventory and work order management in the ERP system (currently JDE, with a planned transition to SAP)
  • Entering required registrations from cold storage facilities into the designated systems
  • Preparation of loading schedules and loading administration
  • Preparation of blending, tank, and production planning, taking into account quality, product forecasting, ongoing contracts, and current stock levels
  • Participation in Level 1 (toolbox) and Level 2 meetings (QSSHE, Maintenance, Planning, etc.)
  • Supporting improvement processes related to the digitization of administration
  • Supporting and complying with applicable Quality, (Food) Safety, Health, and Environmental regulations and programs

Experience
  • To perform their duties, the position holder possesses the following technical skills to support the primary business processes:
  • Bachelor-level thinking (education in Freight Forwarding, Distribution & Transport, Customs, Logistics, etc.)
  • Language skills: Dutch and English; knowledge of other languages is a plus
  • Knowledge of planning, shipping, forwarding, and logistics
  • Basic understanding of customs procedures
  • Proficiency in Excel and planning tools
  • Knowledge of SAP is an asset

Additional Information

Work schedule: Early shift (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM), late shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM), or day shift (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) possible; night shift (10:00 PM – 6:00 AM) only in very exceptional cases

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

What We Offer
We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.


Our Benefits
- A close and warm team
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Fringe benefits such as meal vouchers, hospitalisation and group insurance, ecocheques, salary sacrifice bike lease
- Flexible working
- Pension contributions
- Access to Training and Development