Material Planner

Fair Oaks Foods; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Fair Oaks Foods in Davenport, Iowa, is seeking a Material Planner to manage inventories and ensure consistency with production schedules. Responsibilities include coordinating with internal departments and monitoring supplier performance.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and 2+ years of experience in material planning. Strong analytical and communication skills required, along with proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in material planning or a related field.
• Proficient with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventories and ensure alignment with production schedules.
• Proactively communicate material risks.
• Support teams with accurate demand planning data.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

High school diploma/GED

Associate’s degree in business or logistics

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

Our material planner will manage inventories and ensure that material resources are consistent with production schedules. The material planner's responsibilities include determining material specifications, creating and maintaining inventory schedules, coordinating with internal departments, and managing external stakeholder relations.

The successful Material Planner will ensure appropriate supply of cost-efficient and high-quality materials are maintained to consistently support production and product delivery.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, operations, purchasing, and quality teams to align material availability with production schedules.
• Proactively communicate material risks, including shortages or excess /obsolete materials.
• Support production & procurement teams with accurate demand and planning data to prevent downtime or delays due to material constraints.
• Ensure materials meet specifications and quality standards from our suppliers.
• Communicate required inventory adjustments to production clerks.
• Ensure inventory accuracy across all storage locations and systems.
• Monitor supplier performance related to delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
• Address delivery issues, shortages, or quality concerns and escalate when necessary.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP) to track material flow and inventory transactions.
• Manage creation and adjustments of process orders within ERP.
• Support teams’ root cause analysis on recurring inventory or supply issues.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives related to material planning, inventory control, and logistics.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve inventory turns, and enhance planning accuracy.
• Support standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for material planning.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED required. Associate’s degree or higher preferred
• Degree in business, logistics, inventory management, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in material planning, inventory management, purchasing, or a related position.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and supply chain management.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and material management/ERP (SAP Preferred) systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed in a manufacturing and office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Must be able to lift 50lb and must have knowledge of computers and be proficient in Word and Excel.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Fair Oaks Foods assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices, which include all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to “legally protected categories” such as: race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.