Materials Planning Manager

Applied Information, Inc. is a leader in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), connected vehicle infrastructure, and IoT-enabled traffic solutions. Our Glance® cloud platform and connected hardware power safer school zones, faster emergency response, smarter intersections, and advanced V2X applications nationwide. We are seeking an experienced Materials Planning Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of material acquisition, flow, and fulfillment for our fast-growing production operation. This role ensures that the right components—including electronic parts, traffic controllers, cellular IoT devices, firmware-programmed hardware, and complete assemblies—arrive on time and are delivered to our customers, ensuring customer satisfaction. Accountability, precision, and a strong technical background are essential. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers for electronic components, cabling, traffic cabinet hardware, communications equipment, and IoT materials. Manage RFQs, purchase orders, pricing, contracts, and supplier lead times. Develop strategic supplier partnerships to ensure reliability, availability, and cost efficiency. Monitor supplier performance and maintain metrics (quality, on-time delivery, pricing stability). Stay ahead of component shortages, EOL notices, and supply chain risks affecting production. Leadership Support Provide leadership support to the Production team and serve as a backup to the Director of Production when required. Occasionally oversee and supervise the Logistics team during the Director of Production's absence, ensuring daily operations continue smoothly. Assist with coordinating priorities, resolving operational issues, and maintaining communication between Production and Logistics teams. Support continuous improvement initiatives and help ensure departmental processes and standards are consistently followed. Inventory Control & Material Management Manage inventory levels of electronic parts, subassemblies, finished goods, traffic cabinets, controllers, antennas, and communication modules. Implement cycle counts, reconciliation programs, and root-cause analysis for discrepancies. Develop forecasting models in collaboration with Production, Engineering, and Project Management. Ensure accurate ERP/MRP transactions: receipts, movements, kitting, returns, and BOM allocations. Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready warehouse and stockroom. Systems, Tools & Process Improvement Use ERP/MRP systems to track inventory, analyze supply chain performance, and generate reports. Develop and maintain SOPs for purchasing, receiving, shipping, and inventory processes. Identify and implement improvements to material flow, cost reduction, supplier processes, and internal logistics. Support new product introductions with early material planning and supplier alignment. QUALIFICATIONS 5+ years of experience in procurement, logistics, and inventory control (electronics or hardware manufacturing preferred). Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics Operations (Nice to have) Strong understanding of electronic components, traffic/ITS hardware, networking equipment, and computer-based systems. Proficiency with ERP/MRP platforms, purchasing tools, inventory systems, and demand forecasting. Proven negotiation, supplier management, and contract experience. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Demonstrated accountability, ownership, and follow-through. Ability to work onsite in Roswell, GA. ATTRIBUTES WE VALUE Experience in transportation technology, IoT, telecom, or traffic control systems. Ability to anticipate material shortages and proactively solve supply-chain bottlenecks. Close attention to detail and a zero-defect mindset. Strong leadership potential—this role interacts with nearly every team in the company. Ability to work in a fast-paced, scaling hardware manufacturing environment. LOCATION REQUIREMENT Must reside in Georgia and be able to work onsite at our Roswell, GA facility. #J-18808-Ljbffr