Materials Planner

Carfair Composites® is a leader in fiber-reinforced plastic design and composite technologies. It is a subsidiary of NFI Group, a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions, operating in five manufacturing and distribution centers across North America, including Winnipeg, MB, St. Cloud, MN, and Anniston, AL, Wausaukee, WI, and Gillett, WI. As a comprehensive manufacturer of engineered composite products, Carfair Composites supplies quality fiberglass components to the original equipment manufacturers operating in agriculture, automotive, construction, transportation, commercial, food processing, and medical industries. 

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Material Planner will ensure the timely flow of materials by aligning production schedules with customer demand and maintaining inventory accuracy. This role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams, adjusting job schedules as needed, and supporting on-time delivery and operational efficiency in a lean manufacturing environment.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits - Competitive Wages and comprehensive benefit package with that includes medical, dental, vision, GRRSP plan, life insurance and disability programs.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Friendly Work Environment - Inclusive workplace culture that values and empowers team members.
• On-the-job training in a continuous learning environment through variety of in-house training initiatives.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Coordinate material planning and timely delivery to point-of-use (POU) locations to support uninterrupted production flow.
• Manage and execute MRP messages daily, including Order Action Summaries, to maintain system integrity and ensure production readiness.
• Ensure the accurate and timely release of work orders to manufacturing, with special attention to urgent requirements such as customer drop-in orders and rejection reports, to maintain delivery commitments and minimize production disruptions.
• Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels across sub-inventories, minimizing obsolete and negative inventory through proactive planning and control.
• Support kitting activities and collaborate closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure material availability.
• Partner with Capacity Planning to address production over/underloads and support level loading or outsourcing decisions as needed.
• Implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure alignment with current product designs.
• Track and report key performance metrics, including inventory accuracy, past-due orders, capacity utilization, and closed job performance.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to keep routings and production documentation current and aligned with operational requirements.
• Drive process improvements in inventory management and enhance Material Review Board (MRB) compliance through structured problem-solving.
• Champion lean practices, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives within the materials and planning functions.
• Support compliance with ISO standards, internal work instructions, and company policies.
• Contribute to achieving departmental budget targets, including materials cost, labor efficiency, and controlled use of overtime and supplies.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, materials planning, or inventory management, preferably in a fast-paced, high-mix environment
• APICS certification (e.g., Certified in Planning and Inventory Management, CSCP, CLTD, or CTSC) or active enrollment is highly preferred—a strong indicator of professional
• Proficient in MRP systems (e.g., Oracle or similar ERP platforms), Microsoft Excel, and standard business communication tools.
• Highly analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data.
• Self-starter with strong ownership—demonstrated ability to course-correct independently when discrepancies or errors are identified, with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Comfortable working under pressure and adapting to dynamic requirements in a rapidly changing production environment

OUR WHY: 

We exist to move people. Our mission is to design and deliver exceptional transportation solutions that are safe, accessible, efficient and reliable.

NFI Group is a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions.  News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com, www.alexander-dennis.com, www.carfaircomposites.com and www.nfi.parts.