A Material Planning Specialist is a key role in supply chain and manufacturing operations, responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient supply of materials needed for production. This position will work closely with production, procurement, and supplier teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, meet demand forecasts, and support operational efficiency.
Core Responsibilities
- Forecasting & Planning: Evaluate and forecast material requirements using software systems, aligning with production schedules and demand trends.
- Inventory Management: Maintain accurate inventory records, prevent shortages or overstocking, and implement strategies to balance supply and demand.
- Procurement Coordination: Work with purchasing teams to ensure timely delivery of materials, negotiate with suppliers, and assess supplier performance for quality, cost, and timeliness.
- Problem Resolution: Identify and resolve supply chain issues such as delays, discrepancies, or delivery problems.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with production, engineering, and other departments to support product development and production planning.
- Data Analysis: Analyze demand and supply patterns to identify trends and make adjustments to planning strategies.
- System Maintenance: Ensure purchase order and inventory data are accurate in ERP or material management systems.
Key Skills & Qualifications
- Education: Typically, a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel, ERP, WMS systems (e.g., SAP, MS Business Central), and material planning software.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to interpret data, forecast demand, and make strategic decisions.
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication for coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience: 2+ years in material planning, inventory management, or related roles; familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, production scheduling, and constraint management.
Work Environment
This position will work in manufacturing, distribution, or project-based environments, often in a team setting as well as in office-based roles with some on-site visits to production or warehouse facilities.
In summary: A Material Planning Specialist ensures that the right materials are available at the right time, in the right quantities, to support production goals and customer demand, while maintaining cost efficiency and supply chain reliability.
Benefits:
- Salary - dependent upon experience
- Paid vacation, sick, and holidays
- Health, Dental, Vision Plans available
- 401K Plan
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Job Type: Full-time
