Materials Planner

The Swan Food Company; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s in Brooklyn, NY is seeking a Materials Planner to ensure the right materials arrive on time to meet production schedules. You will plan, schedule, and track inbound materials while collaborating with Purchasing, Production, and Engineering.

The role requires hands-on planning, strong SAP experience, and the ability to balance demand and inventory with a focus on cost efficiency and service levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with 3 years of experience in material planning, purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or a related function within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement, inventory management, and materials planning principles.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.

Responsibilities

• Plan and procure ingredients and packaging materials based on production schedules, forecasts, and business requirements.
• Create and manage purchase orders, process invoices, and coordinate with Accounts Payable.
• Maintain supplier relationships and resolve service, delivery, and quality issues.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage aging and obsolete materials.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Purchasing, Production, and Engineering.
• Ensure materials data in SAP is accurate.

Skills

Procurement

Inventory management

Materials planning

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate degree with 3 years in related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

AtCJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands likeRed Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

We’re looking for aMaterials Plannerat our Brooklyn, NYmanufacturing facility.The Materials Planner plays a critical role in the supply chain by ensuring the right materials are available at the right time to meet business and production demands. This position is responsible for planning, scheduling, and tracking inbound materials, analyzing requirements, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams including Purchasing, Production, and Engineering to drive operational efficiency and support customer commitments.

What You Will Do:

• Plan and procure ingredients and packaging materials based on production schedules, forecasts, and business requirements.
• Create and manage purchase orders, process invoices, and partner with Accounts Payable to ensure timely payment of suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, resolving service, delivery, and quality issues while securing credits when appropriate.
• Monitor inventory levels and proactively manage aging and obsolete materials through collaboration with Production Scheduling, R&D, Procurement, and suppliers.
• Analyze demand, inventory, and supply trends to adjust order quantities and delivery schedules in alignment with changing business needs.
• Partner with Quality Assurance, suppliers, and Accounting to investigate and resolve material quality concerns and recover associated costs.
• Maintain accurate material and vendor master data within SAP, including material masters, pricing, vendor records, info records, source lists, and new item setup.
• Coordinate inbound material deliveries with transportation providers and warehouse teams, tracking purchase orders from shipment through receipt while identifying opportunities to improve service and reduce costs.
• Manage relationships with third‑party logistics providers to support the storage and handling of raw materials.
• Collaborate effectively with corporate teams, suppliers, plant personnel, transportation partners, and service providers to ensure a reliable supply of materials.
• Manage significant inventory investments while balancing service levels, inventory targets, and operational requirements.
• Identify and communicate supply chain risks that could impact the site’s ability to meet business objectives, and partner cross‑functionally to develop mitigation plans.
• Develop and execute material planning strategies that prevent stockouts, optimize freight expenses, and address fluctuations in supply and demand.
• Coordinate material qualification and testing activities with R&D, Quality, Procurement, and Operations to support business growth, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate and promote behavior consistent with the company’s mission, values, code of ethics, policies, and standards of conduct.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with 3 years of experience in material planning, purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or a related function within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement, inventory management, and materials planning principles, with the ability to balance supply, demand, and operational requirements.
• Proficiency with SAP or similar ERP systems, including experience managing material, vendor, and purchasing data.
• Additional language skills, particularly Mandarin or Cantonese, are a plus
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop effective solutions.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and collaborating with internal stakeholders to drive service, quality, and cost improvements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to changing business needs in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, including Operations, Quality, Procurement, Finance, and R&D.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to accuracy, continuous improvement, and delivering results.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $60,000 to $99,000 annually with eligibility for a 5% annual incentive bonus; that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography, etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].