Materials Planner

Job Title: Materials Planner
Job Description
The Materials Planner manages assigned supplier and material categories to ensure the right materials are available at the right time to support uninterrupted production. This role uses ERP systems to analyze material requirements, monitor inventory levels, and proactively address supply risks. The planner works closely with suppliers and internal teams to resolve shortages, coordinate expedited shipments, and maintain accurate planning data while supporting overall operational and supply chain goals.
Responsibilities

• Manage assigned supplier and material categories, ensuring appropriate inventory levels, material availability, and mitigation of supply risks.
• Utilize ERP systems to analyze material requirements, review shortage reports, and validate system-generated planning recommendations.
• Identify potential material shortages early and take immediate action to prevent production interruptions.
• Communicate directly with suppliers to confirm delivery commitments, address past-due orders, and develop backlog recovery plans.
• Coordinate expedited shipments and transportation requests when critical materials are required to support production.
• Escalate unresolved supplier issues through established internal channels when necessary to drive timely resolution.
• Track and communicate shortage status, supplier performance concerns, and recovery plans to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Prioritize multiple competing issues while maintaining strong attention to detail and a sense of urgency.
• Collaborate with planning, purchasing, logistics, supplier integration, and manufacturing teams to support operational and production goals.
• Maintain accurate planning data within ERP and related systems and ensure timely follow-up on all open supply issues.
• Support continuous improvement efforts in material planning, supply chain processes, and supplier performance.

Essential Skills

• 3-10+ years of experience in Material Planning or Expediting
• Hands-on experience using an ERP for material planning or supply chain activities
• Strong supplier management skills, including the ability to negotiate priorities, clarify requirements, and build productive relationships.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience expediting materials and resolving material shortages in a time-sensitive environment.
• Proven ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• General understanding of production planning and supply chain processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Formal education in a relevant field such as Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related discipline.
• SAP is preferred
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data from ERP and reporting tools to make informed planning decisions.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy and consistency in planning data.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing environment and supports production operations by ensuring material availability. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with overtime as needed to meet business demands and address urgent supply issues. The position involves frequent collaboration with planning, purchasing, logistics, supplier integration, and manufacturing teams, as well as regular interaction with external suppliers. Work is performed using ERP systems such as SAP and standard office productivity tools, including Microsoft Office. The environment emphasizes reliability, stability, and long-term career opportunities, offering a strong platform to build experience with a stable employer.
***Only local candidates will be considered at this time***
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntington, IN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $36.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Huntington,IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.