Material Planner

SUMMARY:

The Material Planner is responsible for efficiently managing the procurement and inventory of materials required for production or operational processes. They collaborate closely with various departments, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and cost-effective supply chain operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Materials Planning: Develop and maintain a comprehensive material planning strategy based on demand forecasts, production schedules, and inventory targets.

Inventory Management: Monitor and manage inventory levels to optimize stock holding, reduce carrying costs, and minimize stock-outs.

Supplier Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery of materials, resolve supply issues, and negotiate favorable terms and agreements

Demand Forecasting: Collaborate with sales, production, and other relevant departments to accurately forecast material requirements and align procurement accordingly.

Order Processing: Create and manage purchase orders, track deliveries, and ensure accurate and timely receipt of materials.

Cost Optimization: Continuously seek opportunities to reduce procurement costs, streamline processes, and identify cost-effective alternatives.

Quality Assurance: Ensure that materials meet quality standards and work with quality control teams to address non-conformities or quality issues.

Risk Management: Identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.

Data Analysis: Utilize data and analytical tools to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), assess supply chain efficiency, and make data-driven decisions.

Documentation: Maintain accurate records of inventory levels, supplier performance, and all relevant transactions.

Compliance: Stay up-to-date with industry regulations and compliance standards related to materials and supply chain management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists with setting and overseeing work assignments, schedules, and work quality of the manufacturing team.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field (master’s degree or relevant certifications may be a plus).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience in materials planning, procurement, or supply chain management, at least 5 years.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in using supply chain management software and tools.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Detail-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational skills

• Familiarity and knowledge of forecasting and planning

• Work collaboratively and cohesively with purchasing to ensure orders arrive on time

• Work autonomously with little to no supervision from management

• Strong work ethic

• Knowledge of lean and Six Sigma principles is a plus.

• Familiarity with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems is mandatory; experience with SAP is a plus

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret basic instructions and required documents.

Has the ability to respond and communicate complicated instructions. Ability to write instructions and other procedures as needed. Ability to interpret various instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to comprehend and apply principles of basic mathematics. Must be good with numbers and

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee is required to stand, walk, lift, and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

A normal amount of sitting and standing, average mobility to move around an office and plant environment, and ability to conduct a normal amount of work on a computer.

Ability to lift 30 lbs.

Traveling from plant to plant (ISRI, Supplier, Customer), including international travel, may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

A normal amount of sitting and standing, above average mobility to move around an office and plant environment, can conduct a normal amount of work on a computer.

Works with the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, Line Leads, Line Personnel, Warehouse Manager, and Logistics departments.

Flexible with alternating shifts and Saturday work as required by customer or ISRI requirements.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources