Material Planner

Slate; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate in Warsaw, Indiana, is looking for a Material Planner to enhance operational excellence by ensuring efficient material flow through the production process. The role necessitates proficiency in developing material plans and collaborating with various departments to guarantee timely deliveries.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of relevant experience, a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, and strong analytical skills. Notable competencies in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in material and production planning.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other optimization methodologies.
• Background in supporting product launches and engineering changes.

Responsibilities

• Develop material requirements plans based on forecasts and orders.
• Monitor inventory levels and conduct regular cycle counts.
• Communicate with suppliers to confirm delivery schedules.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Detail-oriented

Continuous improvement methods

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Role Overview

Material Planner plays a vital role in supporting operational excellence by ensuring the timely and efficient flow of materials throughout the production process. The role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing material availability to meet production demands while driving improvements in inventory management, supplier logistics, and packaging solutions.

Responsibilities

Material Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and execute material requirements plans based on production forecasts, customer orders, and inventory targets.
• Ensure raw materials, components, and packaging are available at the right time and quantity to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.

Inventory Control

• Monitor inventory levels, conduct regular cycle counts, and collaborate with warehouse staff to maintain accurate records.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies, optimize stock levels, and support initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.

Supplier Coordination

• Communicate with suppliers to confirm delivery schedules, expedite urgent orders, and resolve issues related to quality or logistics.
• Support supplier performance reviews and contribute to just‑in‑time delivery initiatives.

Production Support

• Collaborate with production supervisors and engineering teams to ensure material readiness for product launches and engineering changes.
• Support the ramp‑up and phase‑out of products by managing material transitions and obsolescence.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement projects focused on optimizing material flow, reducing waste, and enhancing process efficiency.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Utilize Microsoft Excel and other tools to analyze material consumption trends, forecast requirements, and generate reports for management review.
• Leverage pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and other advanced functions to synthesize data and support decision‑making.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with purchasing, logistics, quality, and engineering teams to resolve material shortages, bottlenecks, or process issues.
• Communicate proactively to prevent disruptions and foster a culture of teamwork.
• Maintain frequent interaction with purchasing, warehouse, production, engineering, and quality assurance teams.

Process Documentation

• Maintain accurate documentation of material plans, inventory transactions, and supplier correspondence in accordance with company policies and audit requirements.
• Support coordination and execution of factory production schedules to ensure timely completion of work orders and effective use of manufacturing resources.
• Manage vehicle work orders and collaborate with production teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and prioritize critical tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field required. Equivalent experience in a manufacturing or materials planning role will be considered.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in material and production planning.
• Experience in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Background in supporting product launches, engineering change management, and material transitions.
• Previous experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., automotive, medical devices, aerospace) is an asset.
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to collaborate across functions and interact professionally with all levels of the organization.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis). Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar is highly desirable.
• Detail‑oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Self‑motivated with a drive for accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Slate is a proud Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure or life experiences. Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures.