Sr. Material Planner

Job Summary:

The primary function of the Material Planner is to ensure suppliers are shipping material according to the release schedules communicated. The material planner will also monitor the material in transit to ensure that it is delivered to the plant on time, and in the correct amount specified, in order to meet production demands. 

Essential Functions:

• Lead end-to-end material planning for APAC-based suppliers, including escalation handling and alignment with production schedules, lead times, and inventory targets
• Analyze inventory trends and lead collaborative efforts to reduce excess, mitigate shortages, and improve overall inventory health
• Coordinate and support new product introductions and engineering changes by preparing material readiness plans and working with global teams
• Monitor warehouse utilization and collaborate on layout and bin allocation improvements for material flow efficiency
• Evaluate freight and transit time data to identify cost and delivery risks, and work with logistics teams to reduce premium freight usage
• Simulate MRP scenarios to test planning parameter changes and improve forecast responsiveness under varying demand conditions
• Drive planning process improvements by identifying root causes of recurring material issues and implementing solutions in coordination with cross-functional teams
• Participate in supplier performance reviews and work closely with procurement and quality teams to address delivery gaps
• Maintain accurate SAP master data including safety stock, lead times, and lot sizes

Education and Experience

• Bachelor Degree in Business Analytics or Supply Chain Management, or foreign equivalent. 2 years of experience in a materials’ planning or supply chain operations position.

Specific Skills:

• 2 years of experience with each of the following:
  • Assuming responsibility for assigned parts and suppliers, including utilizing ERP systems, resolving problems, and improving delivery performance
  • Supporting engineering changes in response to customer needs while minimizing obsolescence
  • Continually monitoring MRP to ensure suppliers are meeting commitments and that optimum planning parameters are being used to control inventory levels
  • Supporting expedites of production material from suppliers to support production plans as required, including monitoring premium freight spend versus budget for assigned parts
  • Performing inventory analytics, including incoming volume projections and stock variance analysis
  • Monitoring freight data for premium freight, including recommending lead times and logistics optimization strategies
• Experience can be acquired concurrently

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk/move about a 500,000 sq ft manufacturing facility: 100% of the time
• Must be able to stand/walk/move about specific work area: 90% of the time
• Must be able to bend/reach/twist/stoop: 70% of the time
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs
• Must be able to lift up to 40lbs on a frequent basis: 40% of the time
• Must be able to lift over 40lbs on an infrequent basis: 15% of the time
• Must be able to sit at a work station: 0% of the time  
• Must be able to work and operate a computer terminal: 80% of the time
• Vision is required to analyze and process work; and to work on computer terminal/machine centers, etc.
• Hearing is essential for safety reasons; and to communicate with employees, supervisors, managers, vendors, suppliers and customers via conversation, group meetings, and/or phone conferences
• Must be able to wear a painting suit and/or respirator
• Must be able to work with paints/solvents/cleaners
• Must be able to work any shift as required including overtime as needed