Materials Expeditor/Production Planner

Job Description

Job Description

The Company:
Kinter is a family business obsessed with making retail display hardware easier for our customers. We’ve been manufacturing and distributing retail display hardware for over 40 years. Our approach to business is simple — treat each other and our customers like family.

Summary/Objective:
The Materials Expeditor/Production Planner is responsible for coordinating inbound and outbound shipments, managing vendor communications, and ensuring timely delivery of materials to support production and customer demand. This role focuses on expediting critical orders, monitoring open purchase orders, and maintaining accurate shipment tracking through ERP and transportation management systems. The position works closely with Purchasing, Warehouse, and Logistics teams to resolve issues, prioritize urgent shipments, and ensure seamless flow of materials across the supply chain. This role requires strong attention to detail, proactive communication, and the ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing and distribution environment. The pay range for this role is fixed at $65,000 to $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus eligibility for a year-end performance bonus. Candidates with strong, relevant experience may be offered salaries toward the higher end of the range, while those earlier in their careers can expect offers aligned with the entry level of the range.

Essential Functions:

• Facilitate overseas expediting, including container shipments and fastener expediting
• Serve as the main point of contact with international vendors and freight forwarders after PO placement; obtaining production schedules, confirming ship dates, and following up to ensure items ship as committed
• Point person for tariff return process - submitting returns, tracking approvals, and serving as the subject matter expert on tariffs and container pricing trends
• Work closely with all members of the Logistics team to assist with general Logistics functions as needed
• Communicate with transportation management system (TMS) provider as needed  
• Communicate with overseas vendors to prioritize shipments and build relationships
• Take on additional assignments, tasks, and projects as given by manager
• Maintain a professional, collaborative, and solution-oriented demeanor during all interactions with peers, management, and clients to foster a productive team environment
• Receive constructive feedback professionally and openly, utilizing it as a tool for continuous personal development and performance improvement

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Clear communication and teamwork, with strong Excel skills (specifically V-lookups and pivot tables) and a solid understanding of ERP systems
• Excellent organization, time-management, and prioritization skills, with high attention to detail and a habit of double-checking work
• Self-starter who works well under pressure and can manage multiple priorities with minimal oversight
• Experience with transportation management systems (TMS) and general technological proficiency

Preferred Education and Experience :

• Bachelor's degree required
• Some logistics experience is a plus
• Understanding of import/export laws, regulations, and tariff processes is a plus
• Experience communicating directly with international vendors or overseas partners is a plus

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 15 pounds
• Ability to make repetitive movements, including moving of the wrists and/ or fingers, bending, or squatting

Work Environment:

• This position will work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.

Travel:

• None.

The Location:
Kinter is located on the outskirts of Waukegan, just minutes from Gurnee and Wadsworth. Office and warehouses are located off IL Route 41, which makes the commute easy from surrounding towns.

 
Why Join Our Team?

• Be part of a dedicated, family-owned business with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to its employees.
• Enjoy generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance—100% covered for the employee by Kinter, with no payroll deductions.
• Secure your future with our fully employer-funded pension plan (contributions start after 1 year, fully vested after 5 years, with no deductions from your paycheck).
• Unlock long-term growth potential and opportunities to advance within the company.

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