Materials Planner

Materials PlannerThe Materials Planner is responsible for ensuring the continuity of supply of raw and packaging materials to production facilities as Purchasing's front-line representative to operations.Duties and Responsibilities:Place Purchase Orders and manage replenishment strategies for assigned materialsManage supply disruptions driven by unforeseen events, react to changesUnderstand supply constraints and have appropriate contingency plans in place to maintain productionOptimize warehouse space by ensuring POs are delivered so as not to cause a shortage, but also not to cause inventory overflowOptimize the balance between supply availability, production requirements, warehouse capacity, and risk of ingredient expirationEnsure availability of material through use of forecasts, lead time replenishment scheduling, and constant collaboration with suppliers and plant operationsDevelop and lead inventory cost reduction initiatives in collaboration with internal and external customers by leveraging SAP and supplier capabilities to align with manufacturing strategyMinimize impact of excess inventory by rescheduling POs, transferring to other CHG locations, or working with suppliers and/or QA to evaluate the possibility for extensionsIdentify and execute ideas for areas of improvement, such as material cost savings projects, improved purchasing signals, and warehouse capacity optimizationWork with Category Managers on supply delays, discrepancies in contract pricing, and consolidation and cost saving projectsWork cross functionally with Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, R&D, Suppliers, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Finance on commercialization of new or transitioning materials and various value-added projects Drive Key Performance Indicators to meet targets as assigned, regarding Purchase Price Variances, inventory turns, pallet counts, inventory target levels, expiring materials, and open invoices Support the financial responsibilities of the Company relative to Purchasing:Assist warehousing with receiving and inventory variancesKeep pricing records updated in consideration of fiscal period closes and investigate causes of Purchase Price VariancesWork with Accounts Payable for timely payment of invoices containing discrepancies from original POsMinimum Job Requirements:Education/Certifications:Bachelor's Degree preferred: Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Supply Chain, Business, or related disciplineCPSM certification highly encouraged within the first three years of employment (employer funded)Experience:0-3 years' experience in procurement, supply chain, or materials management.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:SAP knowledge preferredExperience with lean manufacturing principals preferredDemonstrated ability to learn from mistakes and handle stressAbility to work in a fast-paced environmentStrong interpersonal and communication skillsStrong analytical, organizational, and computer skills, to include Microsoft Office and ExcelDrive for resultsStrong influencing skillsTravel ~5% or as requiredWorking Conditions and Physical Effort:Work involves light exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, extreme temperatures, humidity, darkness, and/or noise.Moderate physical effort required such as standing, sitting, and walking in and around the office; the ability to lift up to 25 pounds; reaching, climbing, and kneeling as needed; utilizing fine dexterity, the ability to see, hear, and communicate with associates as well as others by utilizing professional etiquette.Personal protective equipment, as defined by C.H. Guenther and Son, will be provided.Expectations:Will demonstrate, promote and exemplify the Company's Core Values.At C.H. Guenther, we value transparency in compensation. By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career. The salary range for this role is:$62,886.00 - $109,104.00Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.C.H. Guenther & Son will never offer or pay a wage or salary that is not compliant with applicable local, state, or federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds.We also offer a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, educational assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.