Material Planner
Schedule: Hybrid (3 days onsite / 2 days remote)
Travel: Occasional travel as required
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Material Planner to support material planning activities across a global manufacturing network consisting of facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, and Brazil. This role is responsible for ensuring materials are available to support production schedules by coordinating closely with suppliers, manufacturing sites, logistics, purchasing, and trade compliance teams.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in material planning within a manufacturing environment, excellent supplier management skills, and the ability to proactively resolve supply chain issues while maintaining accurate planning data.
Key Responsibilities
Material Planning & Supply Chain
- Plan, order, and expedite materials required to support manufacturing operations.
- Monitor supplier performance and proactively communicate order status, delivery risks, and potential supply disruptions.
- Coordinate with suppliers to resolve issues related to deliveries, pricing, packaging, procedures, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
- Support material planning activities across seven global manufacturing sites.
- Track and maintain material requirements for new product introductions (NPI).
- Coordinate inventory levels to align with manufacturing capacity and production schedules.
- Compile and manage production schedules and material requirements.
Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal manufacturing locations.
- Provide timely updates to manufacturing sites regarding supplier performance and material availability.
- Partner with Logistics and Trade Compliance teams to ensure shipments arrive on time and meet regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with Purchasing, Supplier Quality, Engineering, Operations, and other cross-functional teams to resolve material issues.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships across the organization to support effective communication and problem-solving.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and maintain spreadsheets, reports, and databases to support planning activities.
- Analyze planning data and supplier performance metrics.
- Audit pull signals and monitor overall planning system performance.
- Participate in quality initiatives, process improvements, audits, and corrective action activities.
- Maintain compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
- Protect confidential business information.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree required
Experience
- Demonstrated success in a Material Planner or Supply Chain Planning role within a manufacturing environment
- Experience working directly with suppliers to manage schedules and resolve delivery issues
- Experience coordinating material availability across multiple manufacturing locations
- Experience supporting cross-functional teams, including Logistics, Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations
Technical Skills
- Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Production scheduling
- Inventory management
- Supplier performance management
- Supply chain coordination
- Data analysis and reporting
- Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet management
Soft Skills
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities
- Analytical problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using Oracle APCC (Advanced Planning Command Center)
- Associate degree plus extensive related experience (where applicable)
- Experience working with global suppliers and international manufacturing operations
- Knowledge of logistics and international trade compliance processes
- Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI)
Work Environment
- Hybrid schedule:
- 3 days onsite
- 2 days remote
- Occasional travel may be required based on business needs.
Why Join Us?
This role offers the opportunity to support a global manufacturing operation while working closely with international suppliers and cross-functional teams. You'll play a critical role in keeping production running smoothly by ensuring materials arrive on time, optimizing supply chain performance, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites.
EOE (including Disability/Veterans)