Material Planner

This position coordinates and expedites the material requirements needed to support PPL's electrical operations. It is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of the material requirements process and for developing business process improvements to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of supplying materials to PPL's field forces. The Material Planner directs the demand for materials by evaluating materials requests (MRs) and determining the optimal tactical supply chain for ensuring the right material is delivered to the right location according to the work management schedule.

The Material Planner position may be hired at the Material Planner, Material Planner - Intermediate, or Material Planner - Senior level.  The position responsibilities listed below reflect those of the Associate level.  Additional/varying responsibilities maybe included for other levels of the Material Planner role.

• Duties include reviewing, revising, and approving material requests that flow from PPL's work management process. Ensures that MRs comply with the various supply chain strategies for the material demand they represent.
• Identifies and resolves material holds and bottlenecks to ensure that work management schedules are not impacted. Recommends alternative materials and strategies for meeting the MR need dates.
• Optimizes the flow of materials from PPL's central and local distribution and service centers.
• Recommends the levels and location of inventory to ensure the optimal supply chain for meeting the needs of PPL field forces.
• Communicates and coordinates material demand and material sources between the regional logistics services employees and the material buyers.
• Negotiate with suppliers to expedite PPL deliveries based on need by dates in project schedules.
• Evaluate alternate sources of supply and make award decisions if the original supplier cannot meet the specified need by date.
• Identifies and develops plans for forecasting material demand and season usage.
• Coordinates material delivery with the Logistics Services organization when necessary.
• May be assigned an emergency and storm restoration role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or gas or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

The Material Planner position may be hired at the Material Planner, Material Planner - Intermediate, or Material Planner - Senior level.  Level offered will be determined by the successful candidate's background, education & experience.

Material Planner - Level:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or related field
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Experience with using Excel, including the ability to create v-lookups and pivot tables.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Detail-oriented, ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated time management skills

Intermediate Level:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or related field.
• 2+ years’ experience in materials requirements planning, procurement, manufacturing, scheduling and/or related disciplines
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Experience with using EXCEL, including the ability to create v-lookups and pivot tables
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Detail-oriented, ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated time management skills

Senior Level:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in materials requirements planning, procurement, manufacturing, scheduling and/or related disciplines
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Experience with using EXCEL, including the ability to create v-lookups and pivot tables
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Detail-oriented, ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks with strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated time management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in materials requirements planning, procurement, manufacturing, scheduling and/or related disciplines.
• Experience using ERP, procurement, or work management systems.
• Six Sigma, APICS, or other relevant Supply Chain certification.