Material Planner

Job Description

Job Description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

SESCO Cement is a subsidiary of an international, diversified group of companies with revenues of $3 billion, and is a distributor of building materials. With a growing footprint of satellite locations and distribution partners across the U.S., they continue to expand their reach and realize their vision of bringing construction to an era of brighter possibilities, with a focus on providing customers with superior products to help them build and manufacture high-quality merchandise. Being an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to create a culture of community where anyone can reach their highest potential.

Job Overview:

The Finished Goods Material Planner coordinates the packaging, inventory, and dispatch of bagged and palletized cement. This role balances plant production output with fast-moving distribution demands. They ensure that packaging materials (bags, shrink wrap, pallets, slipsheets) are always stocked and that finished inventory levels meet market demand without exceeding warehouse limits. The Material Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate flow of materials required for production and inventory needs. This role oversees material availability, monitors supplier performance, and collaborates with internal teams to maintain optimal inventory levels. The Material Planner plays a key role in supporting production schedules, optimizing supply chain efficiency, and minimizing costs without compromising quality or delivery timelines.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Packaging Inventory Management: Forecast, order, and maintain optimal stock levels for paper/polypropylene bags, stretch wrap, slipsheets, and pallets.
• Production & Packing Scheduling: Coordinate with the packing plant supervisor to align weekly bagging schedules with sales orders/forecast and coordinate with site operations to plan silo filling
• Warehouse Capacity Optimization: Monitor finished goods storage limits to prevent warehouse congestion and manage product shelf-life/rotation (FIFO).
• Dispatch & Distribution Planning: Partner with logistics teams to schedule truck loading, optimize bay utilization, and minimize customer wait times.
• Waste & Loss Control: Track and analyze packaging material breakage, spillage, and variance to minimize operational waste.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Collaborate closely with Sales, Quality Control, and Plant Operations to address sudden demand spikes or quality holds on specific batches.
• Material Planning Strategy: Develop and maintain material planning strategies to ensure uninterrupted production flow.
• MRP Scheduling:  Create, manage, and adjust material requirement planning (MRP) schedules based on sales forecasts, customer orders, and production plans.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels and implement plans to prevent stockouts, overstock, and production delays.
• Demand and Forecasting Analysis: Analyze demand trends and suppliers lead time to ensure accurate planning and forecasting.
• Purchase Order Management: Place purchase orders, monitor order status, track shipments, and expedite deliveries as needed.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Work closely with suppliers to resolve delivery issues, discrepancies, shortages, or quality concerns.
• Cross- Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Procurement, Production, Engineering, and Finance, to ensure alignment on material needs.
• ERP and Data Management : Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems, ensuring bill of materials (BOM) accuracy and updating planning parameters.
• Reporting and Performance Metrics: Prepare reports and metrics on inventory, material availability, and supplier performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and support opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and supply chain optimization.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Operations, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2 -5 years of experience in material planning, inventory management, or supply chain operations within fast-moving industrial goods, building materials, or consumer packaged goods.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP MM/PP or similar system).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate-to-advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills for demand forecasting, rapid problem-solving for distribution bottlenecks, and clear communication. 

Preferred:

• APICS / ASCM Certifications: Holding a CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) or CSCP designation.
• Lean Manufacturing: Understanding frameworks like Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Kanban to continuously improve material flow. 

Employee Benefits: 

• Medical insurance options, including affordable dental and vision plans for employees and their families  
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance  
• Matching 401(k) plan with a 4% match  
• Vacation, sick leave, and holiday benefits