Material Planner

The Material Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and monitoring the flow of materials required to support production and customer demand. The Material Planner analyzes demand, inventory levels, and supplier performance to minimize material shortages, reduce excess inventory, and maintain uninterrupted operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze production schedules, sales forecasts, and customer demand to determine material requirements.
• Develop and maintain material plans to support production and inventory objectives.
• Monitor inventory levels and initiate replenishment activities to ensure adequate material availability.
• Coordinate with procurement and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of raw materials, components, and packaging materials.
• Review material shortages, expedite critical orders, and develop recovery plans to minimize production disruptions.
• Maintain accurate material planning data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Monitor supplier performance regarding delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with production, purchasing, warehouse, and logistics teams to resolve material-related issues.
• Analyze inventory trends and implement strategies to reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
• Review safety stock levels and recommend adjustments based on demand variability and lead times.
• Participate in demand planning and sales and operations planning (S&OP) activities.
• Generate and analyze reports related to inventory, material availability, supplier performance, and planning metrics.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance material flow, inventory management, and planning accuracy.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in material planning, inventory control, supply chain, purchasing, or manufacturing planning.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or distribution environment preferred.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems required or strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of material planning, inventory management, and supply chain processes.
• Knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and inventory control practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interpret demand forecasts and production requirements.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, APICS principles, or supply chain best practices preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional walking throughout manufacturing and warehouse facilities.
• Ability to review inventory and materials in warehouse or production environments as needed.

Preferred Certifications (Optional)

• APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Lean/Six Sigma Certification