Material Planner I

ODL; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ODL in Zeeland, Michigan, is seeking a Material Planner to maintain inventory levels effectively. This role involves working closely with various departments, including Purchasing and Operations, to ensure components are available when needed.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, at least two years of experience in inventory management, and strong analytical skills. Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel is preferred. Join a dynamic team dedicated to high service levels and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in inventory, planning, purchasing, or logistics management.
• Strong organizational skills to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform duties independently and make sound decisions.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory levels to meet manufacturing needs.
• Coordinate and communicate with suppliers regularly.
• Analyze production specifications and determine manufacturing processes.

Skills

Effective communication

Data analysis

Inventory management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Overview

The Material Planner operates in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, maintaining appropriate inventory levels for all components within the network. This role works closely with Purchasing, Planning, Operations, Customer Service and vendors to procure components and ensure that the right product is available at the right time, balancing product availability while managing inventory investment. The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively, analyze large data sets, and conduct MRP requests and capacity analysis as part of a global team.

Essential Job Functions

• Use parameters to drive inventory levels at a target defined by part and role within each manufacturing unit (safety stock, planner codes, lead times, etc.).
• Manage multiple suppliers and components across multiple commodities.
• Place purchase orders or releases for blanket purchase orders and coordinate incoming material with the supplier base to meet manufacturing needs while keeping inventory on hand at minimum levels.
• Communicate with suppliers regularly, expedite inventory as needed, and monitor inventory levels, supplier delays, and demand changes.
• Escalate issues to the Materials Manager or Purchasing as required and identify supply solutions to meet demand while achieving high service levels at the lowest possible cost.
• Review current inventory, prior usage, and anticipated demand, resolve inventory issues, conduct cycle counts, and take corrective action for variances.
• Coordinate and communicate with other Planners to ensure on-time deliveries to customers.
• Serve as the key purchasing contact for supplier performance and issue resolution.
• Interpret and analyze MRP requests and capacity issues, and determine production schedules to establish sequence and lead time for each operation to meet shipping dates according to sales forecasts or customer orders.
• Analyze production specifications, schedules, plant capacity data, and perform calculations to determine manufacturing processes, tools, and personnel requirements.
• Coordinate with Corporate Planning to align company-wide capacity, logistics, and service objectives.
• Plan and schedule workflow of each department and operation according to established manufacturing sequences and teams.
• Maintain Planner Workbench, including the Sales Order Facility Bench and individual Work Center/Planner Specific Bench, and revise internal order dates in accordance with product availability.
• Interface with Engineering and Manufacturing on all BOM and Routing Requests for active and new products.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Two years of progressive experience with inventory, planning, purchasing, or logistics management in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP systems is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal and external contacts at various levels.
• Strong organizational skills to establish priorities, set goals, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and negotiation skills, with the ability to perform duties independently and make decisions that meet company goals.
• Ability to work on assignments that are broad in nature, requiring originality and ingenuity.
• Proficiency with tools and equipment related to the job, such as advanced Microsoft Excel formulas.

Shift: First Shift (United States of America).