Materials Planning Manager

Sika; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Match

Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Wellness/Reimbursements

Education Assistance

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Sika is seeking a Materials Planning Manager to own material availability, scheduling, capacity planning, and inventory accuracy at the Gastonia, NC site. You will lead the planning team, set KPIs, and own SAP master data while partnering with project management on engineering changes and new products.

This role requires 5+ years in supply chain, SAP MM/PP experience, and strong leadership. You will ensure safety, maintain procedures for IATF16949 compliance, and drive continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business or related field; or a 2-year degree with 3–5 years of experience in production scheduling and planning.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM/CSCP or similar certification is a plus.
• 5+ years of supply chain / materials management in a manufacturing environment; automotive or IATF 16949 experience preferred.
• 3–5 years of hands-on SAP experience (MM/PP); strong Excel and Word skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop a team and drive change.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production planning; develop and follow scheduling processes.
• Publish weekly production schedule and monitor production for on-time shipments.
• Maintain capacity planning for equipment and labor; identify bottlenecks.
• Lead continuous improvement teams for inventory accuracy.
• Maintain SAP master data (BOMs, recipes) and resolve SAP issues.
• Manage raw material ordering and inventory procedures.
• Oversee site purchasing activities and resolve invoice issues.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain

APICS CPIM/CSCP certification

Tools

SAP MM/PP

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Job Description

Overview of the Role:

The Materials Planning Manager owns material availability, production scheduling, capacity planning and inventory accuracy for the site so that every customer shipment leaves on time. You will manage, develop and coach the planning team, set departmental KPIs and individual goals, and serve as the site owner of SAP master data (BOMs, recipes, inventory) and the first point of contact for SAP issues affecting inventory and customers.

What We Are Looking For!

• Ensure all safety policies are followed within the factory and the MP&L department.
• Maintain procedures that meet IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.
• Oversee production planning; ensure materials and scheduling processes are developed and followed by the team.
• Publish the weekly production schedule and monitor production so inventories support on-time shipments.
• Maintain capacity planning for all equipment and labor, review material, equipment and manpower constraints for potential bottlenecks.
• Partner with Project Management and schedulers on phase-in/phase-out of engineering changes and new products to minimize obsolescence.
• Communicate recovery plans directly with customers as needed.
• Work with the materials planner to manage raw material ordering and potential shortages; develop and implement raw material inventory procedures.
• Oversee site purchasing activities and resolve invoice issues.
• Oversee returnable packaging inventory and manage the repack department; ensure FIFO on all materials.
• Oversee cycle counting of finished goods, raw material, packaging and semi-finished goods.
• Maintain target inventory dollars and achieve finished-goods inventory turn targets.
• Analyze finished-goods levels and adjust with schedulers; own over/under shipments and follow-up actions.
• Manage inventory risk through the aged inventory report, working with Quality to recertify product where applicable.
• Lead continuous improvement teams for inventory accuracy and participate in CI across all departments.
• Maintain and verify SAP master data, including BOMs and recipes.
• Manage handling units and manual corrections; correct deliveries and resolve ASN issues with customers.
• Troubleshoot SAP inventory and customer issues; lead and guide key users so the required knowledge level is maintained in the local team.
• Support global and local processes as the local business owner; identify and prioritize change requests that improve the function.
• Report department metrics monthly; set departmental KPIs and individual goals with team members.
• Post the weekly production compliance chart and customer ratings on communication boards.
• Seek synergy opportunities across the region and with global Sika colleagues.

Qualifications

What You Will Bring!

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business or a related field; or a 2-year degree with 3–5 years of experience in production scheduling and planning.
• APICS/ASCM (CPIM, CSCP) or similar certification is a plus.
• 5+ years of supply chain / materials management experience in a manufacturing environment; automotive or IATF 16949 experience strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years of hands‑on SAP experience (MM/PP); strong Excel and Word skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop a team, drive change and hold high standards.
• Hands‑on, floor‑present leadership style and an ownership mindset you take responsibility for outcomes, not just tasks.
• Strong analytical skills that turn numbers and schedules into decisions that meet customer demand.
• Thorough understanding of technical process constraints and proven success with cross‑functional teams.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication with internal and external customers, including strong listening skills.
• Solid interpersonal, follow‑up and prioritization skills.
• Comfortable in a manufacturing environment approximately 95% indoors / 5% outdoors, with standard PPE required on the production floor.

Additional Information

401k with Generous Company Match

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid time off, Paid holidays

Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements

Education Assistance

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Referral Program & More!

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well‑being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.