Material Planner

The Vollrath Company; Sheboygan (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vollrath Company is seeking a skilled Material Planner to help manage inventory and support production schedules. You will coordinate with suppliers, monitor planning signals, and ensure timely replenishment to meet customer requirements while maintaining accurate system data.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in planning, strong Excel skills, and a collaborative approach to cross-functional teamwork within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in planning/manufacturing environments or equivalent experience.
• Associates degree required; Bachelor's preferred in relevant fields.
• Familiarity with quality systems and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and customer-focused mindset.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute planning messages (MRP, Virtual Pull, requisitions) to meet production and customer needs.
• Release POs to approved suppliers based on planning signals.
• Expedite/de-expedite inventory as shortages arise and review reports.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to evaluate suppliers and select new ones.
• Maintain planning parameters (lead-times, ROP, ROQ, MOQ, Kanban) in systems.
• Track KPI-driven changes and ensure accurate data and dates.
• Maintain positive communications with internal/external customers (materials, services).
• Manage inbound/outbound shipments with suppliers and internal traffic.
• Ensure proper approvals, accounting, and processing controls.

Skills

2+ Years planning experience

Team player

Customer-focused

Strong interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Self-confidence

Professionalism

Cross-training abilities

Cost reduction / continuous-improv.

Understanding dependencies

Education

Associates degree in operations/supply chain/business

Bachelor's degree in operations, supply chain or business preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)

Job description

The Material Planner role is an integral member of the Operations team. Responsible for inventory management and supplies to support customer requirements; this position will also support production schedules, and other operational functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execution of planning messages (MRP, Virtual Pull, requisitions, etc.) in a timely manner to ensure production and customer requirements are fulfilled.
• Release purchase orders to preferred/approved suppliers based upon planning messages.
• Expedite and de-expedite orders of inventory and supplies, by reviewing shortages reports and other messages.
• Collaborate with Purchasing in the evaluation of current approved suppliers and selection of new suppliers.
• Maintain JDE planning parameters (lead-times, ROP, ROQ, MOQ, Kanban systems, and accurate system dates).
• Understand, track, and execute changes to support corporate defined KPI’s which include inventory, customer satisfaction levels, lead-time, etc.
• Maintain positive communications with internal/external "customers" for raw materials, finished goods, supplies, and services (Customer Service, Suppliers, Inter-plant, operations, etc.).
• Manage inbound and outbound shipments with suppliers and internal traffic department.
• Assure proper approval, accounting, and processing controls are maintained.
• Interfaces with Quality/Purchasing Category Managers to develop correction actions related to purchased and manufactured components.
• Involvement in continual improvement/cost down efforts.
• Manage changes related to engineering, process, quality, and/or suppliers.
• All other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES/DIRECT REPORTS

• None.

TRAVEL

• None.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ Years of experience in any planning/manufacturing environment, 5 years preferred.
• Associates degree in operation/supply chain/business or equivalent experience required. Bachelor's degree in operation, supply chain or business preferred.
• Familiarity and working knowledge of quality systems.
• Committed to lifelong education.
• Proven track record as a team player.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Customer focused.
• Sense of self-confidence.
• High level of professionalism.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially pivot tables, vlookups, etc).
• Problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work well and cross-train in a team environment.
• Ability to identify cost down and continual improvement opportunities.
• Understanding of dependencies and the cause/effect of these dependencies.

VOLLRATH'S CORE VALUES

Treat All People with Respect: Our intention is to recognize the diverse experiences, styles, and backgrounds of others, treating everyone with dignity. We aim to foster an inclusive culture where all team members can be their authentic selves and feel safe in voicing their perspectives.

Take Ownership: Our intention is to match our actions with our words, building trust with others. We are united in taking responsibility for the success of Vollrath as a whole.

Empower Action: Our intention is to create a workplace where every member can thrive in their growth and contributions with excitement, confidence, and psychological safety. We support each team member with resources and tools to strengthen collaboration and performance.

Commitment to Those Who Count on Us: Our intention is to drive innovation and practical solutions through understanding the needs of our coworkers, customers, owners, and communities. We are dedicated to proactively addressing those needs and delivering results.

Life Beyond Work: Our intention is to care for the well-being of every individual we engage with, understanding them as a whole person. We strive to keep people mentally and physically safe, sending each person home in a condition to build a fulfilling life beyond work. We encourage balance, allowing our colleagues to pursue their passions.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.