Materials Planner I - Drive On-Time Delivery & Lean Inventory

Phoenix Contact; Middletown Township (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Job summary

Phoenix Contact seeks a Materials Planner to manage component and finished goods inventory, release production orders, and execute demand planning agreements. The role requires balancing immediate and long‑term priorities to support on‑time delivery while controlling inventory levels.

The candidate will work with Product Management, Production, Strategic Purchasing and Customer Service to support growth and profitability across assigned product lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or Supply Chain Logistics.
• APICS Certification is preferred.
• Enhanced knowledge of Kanban and Lean techniques is preferred.
• Working knowledge of MRP systems required.
• Previous experience in a production planning role in a manufacturing environment is highly desired.
• Advanced computer knowledge in Microsoft Office is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage stock inventory levels for manufacturing based on usage and customer stocking programs.
• Develop and manage stocking/replenishment program for products. Stocking programs with suppliers to minimize inventory while maximizing flexibility.
• Issue purchase orders to component suppliers based on production demand and forecast.
• Determine component parts where forecasting should be used and coordinate with Strategic Purchasing on supplier‑bonded inventory or blanket orders.
• Purchase components at the most favorable price consistent with quality, quantity, and specification requirements, as well as timely delivery of components.
• Manage component EOQ, MOQ, lead time, safety stock, and replenishment reorder point planning parameters.
• Provide reports on a regular basis on customer demand planning agreements.
• Support new product development and project releases.
• Perform production planning functions within Baa NMRP modules.
• Based on incoming customer orders, required ship dates, production capacity and available component inventory, release production orders to the shop floor.
• Perform daily functions within Baa NMRP modules to include:
• Confirm and transfer purchase orders from MRP session.
• Release MRP and PRP production orders daily.
• Review product requirements and update work order schedules based on component availability and manufacturing lead time.
• Revise and coordinate production schedules with manufacturing based on customer demand.
• Establish and coordinate, with manufacturing, the priority in which work orders are kitted, released, and scheduled in production.
• Interface with Customer Service, Production, Shipping/Receiving, Quality, Strategic Purchasing, Engineering and Product Management.
• Meet inventory targets on assigned product lines.
• Coordinate, as appropriate, quality matters and engineering changes/developments between company activities and suppliers.
• Proactively report product and material availability issues.
• Maintain Item Master Data and revise essential planning data to ensure Baa N is effectively planning for future requirements.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor the movement of materials through the development, prototype, and production cycle.
• Expedite orders, as necessary. Identify actual and potential delivery problems and take proactive steps to inform appropriate personnel.
• Implement improvement processes to reduce inventory and non‑value‑added work.
• Demonstrate initiative by understanding what actions need to be taken and completing the required tasks while seeking the perspective of others as required.
• Demonstrate an honest and forthright presence by taking responsibility for own mistakes and not blaming others, and by doing what he/she commits to doing.
• Work as a team player to make a difference within the business and express gratitude and appreciation to others who have provided information, assistance, or support.
• Readily handle change through taking advantage of lifelong learning opportunities and being open minded and curious in the face of new challenges.
• Other duties as assigned by one’s manager.

Skills

Kanban

Lean

English proficiency

Communication

Leadership

Teamwork

German helpful

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or Supply Chain Logistics

APICS Certification

Tools

MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Phoenix Contact seeks a Materials Planner to manage component and finished goods inventory, release production orders, and execute demand planning agreements. The role requires balancing immediate and long‑term priorities to support on‑time delivery while controlling inventory levels.

The candidate will work with Product Management, Production, Strategic Purchasing and Customer Service to support growth and profitability across assigned product lines.