The Materials Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of materials required to support production, customer orders, and inventory objectives. This role works closely with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Operations, Production, Logistics, and Suppliers to monitor inventory levels, forecast demand, and coordinate replenishment activities. The Materials Planner helps maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing shortages, excess stock, and supply disruptions.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Monitor inventory levels and material availability to support production schedules and customer demand.
- Create and maintain material plans based on sales forecasts, inventory targets, and production requirements.
- Review and analyze inventory reports, identifying potential shortages or excess inventory.
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of raw materials, packaging, outside processes and finished goods.
- Generate and manage purchase requisitions and collaborate with Purchasing on order execution.
- Track open purchase orders and expedite deliveries when necessary.
- Maintain accurate planning data within ERP/MRP systems.
- Collaborate with Production, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align material availability with business needs.
- Analyze demand trends and recommend inventory adjustments.
- Support cycle counts, inventory audits, and reconciliation activities.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements that increase efficiency and reduce costs.
- Continually evaluate the performance of the supply base regarding cost, quality and service.
- Prepare reports and communicate material status, risks, and supply issues to stakeholders.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Qualifications
- 0-3 years of experience in supply chain, inventory management, planning, logistics, purchasing, or manufacturing operations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 20 lbs. as needed.
- Ability to bend, stand, climb, twist and stoop for extended periods of time.
- Ability to perform sedentary work including sitting for extended periods of time.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment.
- Have good vision of 20/30 with corrective lenses.
- Ability to maintain coordination of hand and finger movements to grasp and manipulate objects with precision.
Subject to environmental conditions that occur indoors and outdoors which includes but is not limited to exposure to changing temperatures, loud noises, vibration from use of equipment and the following:
- Hazards: Variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
- Atmospheric conditions: One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin - fumes, odors, dust, mist, gases or poor ventilation.
- Oils: there is air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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