The Material Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the timely planning, procurement, tracking, and delivery of raw materials, packaging components, and finished goods required to support contract manufacturing operations. This role acts as a key liaison between Procurement, Supply Planning, Contract Manufacturers, Logistics, Quality, and Warehouse teams to maintain uninterrupted production while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing supply chain risk. The coordinator monitors material requirements, manages inventory at co-manufacturing locations, resolves supply issues, and drives effective communication across internal and external stakeholders to ensure customer service and production objectives are achieved.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned.
- Monitor material requirements, inventory levels, consumption rates, and replenishment needs at contract manufacturing facilities.
- Coordinate replenishment of raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and production supplies to support production schedules and customer demand.
- Serve as the primary materials contact for assigned contract manufacturing partners and communicate material availability, schedule needs, and supply constraints.
- Track supplier commitments, purchase orders, and critical deliveries in partnership with Procurement.
- Coordinate inbound and outbound transportation of materials and finished goods, resolving shipment delays, shortages, damages, and documentation issues.
- Identify potential shortages, excess inventory, obsolescence risks, and inventory variances; recommend or support corrective actions.
- Support inventory reconciliations, cycle counts, material transfers, returns, disposal activities, and non-conforming material processes.
- Maintain accurate ERP and planning system data and provide reports on inventory health, material shortages, supplier performance, and service levels.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure materials meet company quality, food safety, certification, testing, and documentation requirements.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong understanding of inventory management and material planning concepts.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and relationship management abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and supply chain reporting tools.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
Ability to:
- Ability to coordinate multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to work effectively with suppliers, co-manufacturers, and cross-functional teams.
Education and Experience:
- Associate degree preferred.
- 2-5 years of experience in materials planning, inventory management, procurement, contract manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain operations.
- Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or agricultural products preferred.
- Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar systems preferred.
Physical/Safety Requirements:
- Tolerate extended periods of sitting at desk.
- Ambient noise is louder than a traditional office setting.