Material Planner

Material Planner

Reports to: Materials Manager
Key Interactions: Demand Planning, Production Management, Purchasing, Marketing, Warehousing, & Customer Service

Responsibilities & Duties

Planning & Scheduling

• Execute and manage the production schedule to ensure alignment with customer demand and available capacity.
• Review weekly production schedules to validate material availability and resolve potential constraints before they impact operations.
• Maintain accurate planning parameters in MRP to ensure reliable planning signals and system integrity.
• Analyze and adjust production schedules based on SAP inventory alerts, exception messages, and real-time capacity/resource constraints.
• Analyze & execute production schedule and material availability to ensure high C-OTIF (Customer Service Level).

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

• Perform daily MRP reviews to determine purchase order releases for suppliers (Blum Austria and domestic).
• Validate bill of materials (BOM) structures and usage accuracy to ensure correct material planning outputs.
• Monitor product lifecycle changes (new items, revisions, obsolescence) and adjust SAP parameters to ensure proper material flow.
• Manage and resolve SAP work order errors to maintain schedule accuracy and system reliability.

Inventory Strategy & Optimization

• Maintain WIP and finished goods inventory at target levels to support Service Level (C-OTIF) and Range of Coverage (inventory turn) goals.
• Identify inventory shortfalls proactively and adjust planning strategies accordingly.
• Analyze demand trends, consumption patterns, and schedule adherence to refine future planning inputs.

Supplier Coordination (Planning Focused)

• Create purchase orders from requisitions to support the production schedule.
• Monitor supplier on-time delivery performance and escalate risks impacting production plans.
• Expedite materials only as needed based on planning analysis and demand changes.

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Warehouse, and Production Management teams to ensure schedule feasibility and material readiness.
• Work with Marketing and Production Management to ensure coordinated launches of new or updated product programs.
• Support evaluation of proposed schedule changes by providing load, capacity, and material impact analysis using macro/micro planning tools.

Education

• HS Diploma or GED required
• 4-year degree in a related field is preferred
• APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP) preferred
• Equivalent training & experience can be substituted

Experience

• Hands-on SAP ERP systems with SAP/APO preferred
• 5 years of material planning experience in a medium-sized industrial manufacturing company is preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of planning techniques, MRP, BOM structures, and shop floor control
• Working knowledge of manufacturing control systems, capacity planning, and physical plant constraints
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting to identify trends, issues, and improvement opportunities
• Strong communication skills to align stakeholders around planning decisions
• Advanced Excel/MS Office capability for data manipulation and visualization
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

Blum USA offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Salaried position
• Possible bonus opportunities
• Health coverage (Medical, Vision, Dental)
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible spending account for eligible health expenses
• Competitive PTO package
• Term life insurance equal to annual salary at no cost to employee
• And more!

Company Overview

For over 60 years, Blum has been a global leader in manufacturing high-quality hinge systems, drawer runners, and lift systems that enhance user convenience in kitchens and living spaces. Our commitment to innovation and motion perfection drives everything we do.

With eight production plants in Austria and manufacturing sites in Brazil, Poland, China and the United States, Blum employs approximately 9,000 people worldwide. Our mission is to create solutions that make everyday life easier-whether in the kitchen or beyond.