Production Planner

About Slate At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them. Who we are looking for Material Planner plays a vital role in supporting operational excellence by ensuring timely and efficient flow of materials throughout the production process. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing material availability to meet production demands while driving improvements in inventory management, supplier logistics, and packaging solutions. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong analytical mindset, deep organizational skills, and an unwavering commitment to collaborative problem‑solving. Work Authorization Requirement Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time. What you get to do Material Planning & Scheduling Develop and execute material requirements plans based on production forecasts, customer orders, and inventory targets. Ensure raw materials, components, and packaging are available at the right time and quantity to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations. Inventory Control Monitor inventory levels, conduct regular cycle counts, and collaborate with warehouse staff to maintain accurate records. Identify and resolve discrepancies, optimize stock levels, and support initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete inventory. Supplier Coordination Communicate with suppliers to confirm delivery schedules, expedite urgent orders, and resolve issues related to quality or logistics. Support supplier performance reviews and contribute to just‑in‑time (JIT) delivery initiatives. Production Support Collaborate with production supervisors and engineering teams to ensure material readiness for product launches and engineering changes. Support the ramp‑up and phase‑out of products by managing material transitions and obsolescence. Continuous Improvement Participate in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement projects focused on optimizing material flow, reducing waste, and enhancing process efficiency. Data Analysis & Reporting Utilize Microsoft Excel and other tools to analyze material consumption trends, forecast requirements, and generate reports for management review. Leverage pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and other advanced functions to synthesize data and support decision‑making. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with purchasing, logistics, quality, and engineering teams to resolve material shortages, bottlenecks, or process issues. Communicate proactively to prevent disruptions and foster a culture of teamwork. Frequent interaction with purchasing, warehouse, production, engineering, and quality assurance teams. Process Documentation Maintain accurate documentation of material plans, inventory transactions, and supplier correspondence in accordance with company policies and audit requirements. Support coordination and execution of factory production schedules to ensure timely completion of work orders and effective use of manufacturing resources. Manage vehicle work orders and collaborate with production teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and prioritize critical tasks. What you bring to the team Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience in a manufacturing or materials planning role will be considered. 5+ years of pertinent professional experience in material and production planning. Experience in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. Background in supporting product launches, engineering change management, and material transitions. Previous experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., automotive, medical devices, aerospace) is an asset. Skills Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities. Ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable plans. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to collaborate across functions and interact professionally with all levels of the organization. High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis). Experience with ERP/MRP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, FUUZ, Plex or similar) is highly desirable. Detail‑oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Self‑motivated with a drive for accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Familiarity with automotive or high‑volume production systems, supplier logistics, and JIT delivery models. Performance Indicators On‑time material availability supporting production schedules. Accuracy and timeliness of inventory records and reports. Reduction in excess, obsolete, or slow‑moving inventory. Supplier delivery performance and responsiveness to material issues. Contributions to process improvement initiatives (lean, Six Sigma, JIT). Professional Development Opportunities for ongoing training in supply chain management, lean manufacturing, and ERP systems. Support for Professional certifications (APICS, Six Sigma, etc.). Mentorship and growth into senior planning, purchasing, or supply chain leadership roles. Salary Range Base Pay Range (Annual): 89,517.00 – 134,275.00 USD. WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE? Safety First Delight Customers One Team Relentless Improvement Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy Respectful Collaboration Positive Legacy Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure, or other protected characteristics. Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. #J-18808-Ljbffr