Production Planning Manager (Bellwood)

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it—innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are looking for a Materials Manager to join Kaiser Aluminum in Bellwood, Virginia! Please apply at requisition 1437.

We are seeking a results-driven Materials Manager with demonstrated experience in production planning, inventory management, customer scheduling, logistics, and material flow within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring uninterrupted production, maintaining customer delivery performance, optimizing inventory levels, and driving continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.

This position requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to support operational and business objectives.

At this time, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role, either now or in the future. Therefore, we cannot move forward with candidates who would require sponsorship and or are on (e.g., H-1B, F-1, STEM OPT, OPT) visas.

What you will work on:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Lead production planning and material scheduling activities to support customer demand and manufacturing requirements.
• Manage customer releases, EDI demand schedules, and production plans to ensure on-time delivery performance.
• Develop and implement recovery plans for material shortages, capacity constraints, and supply chain disruptions.

Inventory Management

• Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Drive inventory accuracy through cycle counting programs, inventory audits, and inventory control processes.
• Monitor inventory performance metrics, including inventory turns and days on hand.

Supply Chain Coordination

• Collaborate with purchasing, operations, logistics, and suppliers to ensure timely material availability.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics activities to support customer and production requirements.
• Support plant shutdowns, inventory builds, and new product launches through proactive material planning.

Customer & Supplier Management

• Serve as the primary liaison for material-related customer requirements and delivery performance.
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding demand fluctuations, shortages, and recovery plans.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support supply continuity and operational excellence.

Continuous Improvement & Performance Management

• Monitor and analyze key supply chain performance indicators, including:
• On-time delivery
• Schedule adherence
• Inventory accuracy
• Inventory days on hand
• Premium freight
• Customer demand changes
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory reduction, material flow optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage planning activities, inventory transactions, and customer requirements.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Foster strong working relationships across operations, purchasing, engineering, quality, and customer service teams.
• Support company objectives by driving accountability, communication, and teamwork throughout the supply chain function.
• Mentor and develop materials and planning personnel as applicable.

What you will bring to the role:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related field required.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of Materials Management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with ERP/MRP systems, production planning, inventory control, and customer scheduling.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and customer relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of inventory management principles and supply chain best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel

Preferred Experience

• Automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier environment.
• Experience with EDI systems and customer forecasting.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement training.
• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent supply chain certification.

No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.