Material Planner

Reports to:

Role Overview

Material Planner

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor supplier inventory levels and track on-time delivery performance.
• Collaborate with the pricing team to address and resolve cost changes.
• Work with the receiving team to resolve shortages, overages, and shipment discrepancies.
• Coordinate vendor returns (RMAs) and provide Release Authorization Numbers (RANs) to suppliers.
• Maintain accurate vendor profile records, including lead times, minimum order quantities, and pallet quantities.
• Update system codes such as ETA and item status (e.g., "on the water") to ensure visibility.
• Respond to sales team inquiries regarding ETAs and product availability, ensuring timely communication.
• Establish consistent communication protocols with sales teams regarding inventory and shipment status.
• Ensure suppliers comply with packaging guidelines to support efficient warehouse operations.
• Escalate critical issues such as delayed shipments, supplier non-compliance, or shortages per defined procedures.
• Expedite or defer items as needed to align with demand and production requirements.
• Support shrinkage and inventory movement analysis and investigations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams on special projects and initiatives.
• Track and analyze inventory costs and stock usage rates to support financial planning.
• Generate and analyze inventory reports for business units.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to optimize supply chain performance and reduce material costs.
  

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred (equivalent work experience considered).
• Minimum 4 years of experience in inventory management, supply chain operations, or related fields.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis).
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems and inventory tracking tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems proactively, and escalate issues when needed.
• Familiarity with data analysis and reporting to support decision-making is a plus.
  

What We Offer

• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Opportunities to work on impactful supply chain initiatives.
• Growth and learning opportunities in a dynamic business setting.