Material Planner

Job Description

Job Summary

The Material Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of raw materials and components required to support production schedules. This role manages material requirements planning, inventory levels, supplier coordination, and works cross-functionally to prevent material shortages or excess inventory.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain material requirements plans based on production schedules and forecasts.

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock while minimizing excess and obsolescence.

• Issue purchase orders and manage supplier releases.

• Track open orders and expedite materials as needed to avoid production delays.

• Communicate with suppliers regarding delivery schedules, shortages, and quality issues.

• Collaborate with production planning, procurement, and warehouse teams.

• Analyze material usage trends and adjust planning parameters accordingly.

• Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Plex, Epicor, etc.).

• Support new product launches and engineering changes (ECNs).

• Participate in cycle counts and inventory audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (preferred).

• 3+ years experience in material planning, supply chain, or production planning.

• Experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Key Competencies

• Demand planning & forecasting

• Inventory management

• Supplier communication

• Data analysis

• Cross-functional collaboration

• Attention to detail

Physical / Work Environment

• Office-based role with regular interaction on the production floor.

• May require occasional lifting of small materials and walking the shop floor.