Material Planner

POSITION SUMMARY

Compiles and maintains material, parts, inventory, and status information to support production and customer requirements. Schedules production and communicates schedules to Production. Coordinates material flow, inventory, supplier deliveries, and customer shipments to support timely and efficient operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Work closely with Manufacturing to create and monitor production schedules.
• Determine material needs to support production and material flow.
• Review master production schedules and work orders.
• Monitor systems throughout the day for production and material requirements.
• Track daily requirements and weekly shipments.
• Communicate production schedules and material requirements to Production.

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate, timely, and economical inventory.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory data, including lead times, SNP, and other item information.
• Enter manual inventory transactions and coordinate item setup and item changes.
• Monitor inventory transaction accuracy.
• Coordinate and participate in cycle counts for assigned areas.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Supervise and participate in physical inventory activities.

Purchasing & Supplier Coordination

• Review weekly purchase order releases to suppliers.
• Monitor vendor shipment schedules and follow up on on-time delivery.
• Identify and communicate potential material shortages or supplier delays.
• Coordinate material requirements to support production and customer demand.

Customer Service & Delivery

• Communicate regularly with customers regarding satisfaction and day-to-day service and delivery questions.
• Determine customer shipping schedules and quantities through EDI, phone, email, or fax.
• Identify and resolve issues affecting customer delivery.
• Determine shipment timing and quantities to support timely delivery, including expedited or unusual shipments.
• Negotiate shipment timing and quantities with customers to meet customer needs while protecting company interests.
• Work with customers regarding delivery scoring to achieve the best possible monthly score for the company.
• Prepare reports related to customer complaints and distribute them to appropriate departments or associates.
• Initiate replacement and corrective orders for shortages, incorrect shipments, and other errors.
• Answer questions and resolve concerns involving customers, associates, and co-workers.

Continuous Improvement & General Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve material processes and submit continuous improvement ideas.
• Use company equipment and resources properly and safely.
• Follow all applicable safety regulations and company procedures.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Perform special assignments and other duties as delegated.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Two years of materials experience in the automotive or related industry preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May provide direction or coordination as needed. Collaboration and cooperation with others is essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Occasionally lift up to 35 pounds.
• Regularly sit, stand, reach, and move throughout the plant.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both an office and plant environment. Safety glasses and steel-toe shoes are required when performing specific tasks or working in designated manufacturing areas.