Material Planner: Plex ERP & Inventory Optimizer

R. H. Sheppard Co.; Hanover (York County); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

R. H. Sheppard Co.

is seeking a motivated Material Planner to join our manufacturing team. The role focuses on maintaining material availability, balancing inventory and supplier performance, and aligning with customer requirements to keep production moving. You will manage Plex ERP MRP, analyze forecasts, collaborate across departments, and drive continuous improvement in material flow and planning processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Experience in material planning, production planning, supply chain, inventory control, or a related manufacturing function preferred.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems; Plex ERP experience preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, inventory management, and Lean/continuous improvement principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence others, manage multiple priorities, and drive results through cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Manage MRP within Plex ERP to ensure uninterrupted production and optimal inventory levels.
• Analyze demand forecasts, customer releases, and production schedules to develop and maintain material replenishment plans.
• Monitor supplier performance related to delivery, quality, and responsiveness, and elevate issues as necessary.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Production, Quality, Engineering, and Logistics teams to support production objectives and customer requirements.
• Review and maintain planning parameters in Plex, including lead times, safety stock levels, reorder points, lot sizing, and supplier schedules.
• Coordinate supplier releases and communication to ensure timely delivery of raw materials, components, and packaging materials.
• Identify potential material shortages and develop recovery plans to minimize production disruptions.
• Manage inventory levels to achieve company targets for inventory turns, excess inventory reduction, and working capital improvement.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, transaction errors, and material variances within Plex ERP.
• Support supplier or engineer Change Requests and product launch activities by ensuring material availability and inventory transition plans.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory optimization, material flow efficiency, and supply chain performance.
• Maintain master data accuracy within Plex ERP, including part numbers, BOMs, supplier information, and planning parameters.
• Analyze MRP messages, exception reports, and inventory reports generated by Plex to proactively address supply issues.
• Support Plex system enhancements, user training, testing, and process improvements related to planning and inventory management.
• Validate inventory transactions and material movements within Plex to ensure accurate system records and reporting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Plex ERP

Job description

R. H. Sheppard Co.

is seeking a motivated Material Planner to join our manufacturing team. The role focuses on maintaining material availability, balancing inventory and supplier performance, and aligning with customer requirements to keep production moving. You will manage Plex ERP MRP, analyze forecasts, collaborate across departments, and drive continuous improvement in material flow and planning processes.