Material Planner

Role Summary

Material Planner

MANN+HUMMEL

Onsite - Gastonia Main Office

The Material Planner is responsible for managing material across the supply chain to ensure smooth operations, control inventory costs, and meet customer demand. The position focuses on developing material plans based on forecasts, coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers, monitoring inventory levels, and improving supplier performance. This position involves analyzing material and inventory data, supporting sales, inventory, and operations planning aligment, expediting shipments, revieweing customer orders, and recommending capacity or inventory adjustments. The ideal candidate has a bachelor's in business, supply chain, data analytics, or a related field, and at least two years of experience in a manufacturing environment, strong skills in ERP such as SAP, Microsoft Excel, MRP, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving.  

Main Tasks

• Develop and maintain comprehensive material plans based on demand forecasts and coordinate with internal and external suppliers that align with material availability and customer demand
• Monitor inventory levels and implement strategies to optimize inventory turnover, to minimize carrying costs and ensure adequate safety stock levels 
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and monitor their performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements 
• Communicate effective with suppliers and team members, both using standard business hours and occasionally after hours
• Analyze data related to material usage, inventory levels to indentify trends and improvement opportunities 
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including, logistics, production, and quality assurance to ensure effective communication and coordination throughout the supply chain
• Submit requisitions to be converted into supplier orders and monitor production, shipments, and expedite orders needed to meet demands
• Recommend capacity expansions and/or inventory builds based on demand signals
• Review customer orders and adjust supply plans as necessary
• Maintain material availability, fill rates, and inventory dollars per the yearly MP&L goals
• Freight analysis and recommend optimal transportation modes that balance cost and service

Profile

Education 

• Bachelor's in business administration, supply chain, data analytics or related degree
• Equivalent combinations of education and/or experience will be considered

Skills & Competencies 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency using ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Excel and pivot tables (VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP)

Preferred Experience

• 2 years minimum of experience in supply chain, material planning, inventory control, or related field within a manufacturing environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities at a time
• Ability to influence stakeholders by using data and practical judgement
• Effective leadership and be able to take initiative