Job brief
We are looking for a data-driven Materials Planner to join our supply chain team and manage the end-to-end flow of materials for our high-volume manufacturing lines. You will take full ownership of inventory accuracy, lead time reduction, and material availability, ensuring our production floor operates without interruption. This role is an ideal opportunity for a professional who thrives on analytical problem-solving and wants to make a tangible impact on our bottom-line profitability and customer satisfaction. If you are passionate about lean manufacturing principles and supply chain optimization, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Analyze daily MRP system outputs to execute purchase orders and maintain optimal raw material stock levels for production lines.
- Resolve supply chain bottlenecks by proactively communicating with suppliers regarding lead time variances and inbound shipping delays.
- Develop and track KPIs such as inventory turnover, days of supply, and excess/obsolete (E&O) stock to drive operational efficiency.
- Maintain high inventory accuracy levels by performing regular cycle counts and reconciling discrepancies within the ERP database system.
What is a Materials Planner?
A Materials Planner is a critical supply chain professional responsible for balancing inventory investment with production demand to prevent stockouts and minimize carrying costs. By utilizing sophisticated ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, a Materials Planner manages raw material lead times, monitors safety stock levels, and reconciles supply and demand variables. Their strategic oversight ensures that production schedules align perfectly with procurement activities, effectively bridging the gap between vendor delivery capabilities and manufacturing requirements.
What does a Materials Planner do?
On a daily basis, a Materials Planner analyzes MRP (Material Requirements Planning) outputs to generate purchase requisitions and adjust production schedules based on shifting demand signals. They collaborate closely with procurement teams to resolve vendor delivery delays, track inbound shipment status, and maintain accurate inventory master data. By performing root-cause analysis on inventory discrepancies and participating in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings, they drive continuous improvement in logistics efficiency and cost-to-serve metrics.
Key responsibilities
- Analyze daily MRP system outputs to execute purchase orders and maintain optimal raw material stock levels for production lines.
- Resolve supply chain bottlenecks by proactively communicating with suppliers regarding lead time variances and inbound shipping delays.
- Maintain high inventory accuracy levels by performing regular cycle counts and reconciling discrepancies within the ERP database system.
- Develop and track KPIs such as inventory turnover, days of supply, and excess/obsolete (E&O) stock to drive operational efficiency.
- Coordinate with production scheduling teams to adjust material requirements based on changing customer demand and sales forecasts.
- Streamline procurement processes by negotiating delivery schedules with key suppliers and managing safety stock parameters systematically.
- Prepare comprehensive status reports on material availability and logistics performance for management to inform key decision-making processes.
- Lead cross-functional root-cause investigations when inventory shortages occur, implementing corrective actions to prevent future supply disruptions.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related business discipline.
- 3+ years of experience in material planning, inventory control, or production scheduling within a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in advanced ERP software such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 for demand planning.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, specifically regarding VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data modeling for inventory forecasting.
- Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, JIT (Just-in-Time), and Six Sigma methodologies for waste and cost reduction.
- APICS CPIM or CSCP certification preferred, demonstrating a high-level mastery of supply chain and materials management.
- Proven ability to articulate complex inventory data to non-technical stakeholders during S&OP and production meetings.
- Strong understanding of international shipping documentation, Incoterms, and customs compliance for global material procurement.
FAQs
What does a Materials Planner do on a daily basis?
A Materials Planner focuses on managing the flow of raw materials needed for production. Their daily work involves reviewing MRP reports, issuing purchase orders, tracking vendor shipments to avoid production line stoppages, and adjusting inventory safety stocks. They spend significant time coordinating with production managers to ensure materials are available when needed without over-investing in excess stock.
What skills are required to become a successful Materials Planner?
Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, expertise in ERP software (like SAP or Oracle), and a firm grasp of inventory management principles. A successful Materials Planner must also possess excellent communication skills to negotiate with suppliers, as well as the ability to solve complex scheduling conflicts under pressure. Knowledge of Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma is often a key differentiator for top candidates.
How does a Materials Planner contribute to company profitability?
A Materials Planner directly impacts the bottom line by preventing production downtime caused by material shortages and by reducing capital tied up in excess inventory. By optimizing order quantities and lead times, they minimize carrying costs and storage fees. Their ability to improve inventory turnover and operational efficiency ensures the company remains lean and responsive to customer demand.
What are the common career paths for a Materials Planner?
Materials Planners often advance into roles such as Supply Chain Manager, Procurement Manager, or Inventory Planning Director. Many professionals obtain certifications like the APICS CPIM or CSCP to move into more strategic positions. With a solid understanding of cross-functional operations, experienced planners may also transition into broader logistics management or supply chain consulting roles.