Operations

Material Planner

Looking to hire your next Material Planner? Here’s a full job description template to use as a guide.

About Vintti

Vintti is a staffing agency dedicated to boosting the economic efficiency of US companies. We provide access to a diverse range of skilled Latin American professionals, allowing businesses to build robust teams without the traditional high costs associated with domestic hiring. Our model supports companies in maximizing their resources, driving innovation, and achieving sustainable growth.

Description

A Material Planner plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of materials within a manufacturing or production environment. They are responsible for forecasting material needs, coordinating with suppliers, and managing inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock situations. By analyzing production schedules and lead times, Material Planners optimize the procurement process to meet demand while minimizing costs. Their role requires strong analytical skills, meticulous organization, and effective communication to collaborate with various departments, ensuring that production targets are met and customer satisfaction is achieved.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Proven experience as a Material Planner or in a similar supply chain management role.
- Proficiency in material planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and forecasts.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Strong communication and coordination skills for cross-functional collaboration.
- Knowledge of inventory management practices and procedures.
- Understanding of supply chain processes and logistics.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Detail-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Familiarity with procurement processes and supplier management.
- Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance standards in material management.
- Strong negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers.
- Certification in APICS (e.g., CPIM) or other relevant supply chain certifications preferred.
- Ability to conduct regular and accurate inventory audits.
- Experience in cost analysis and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Strong presentation skills for reporting to management.
- Willingness to participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsabilities

- Develop and maintain detailed material requirement plans based on production forecasts and schedules.
- Analyze and interpret demand and supply data to ensure accurate material planning.
- Monitor and regulate inventory levels to prevent shortages and overstocking.
- Collaborate with suppliers to guarantee timely and accurate material deliveries.
- Generate and manage purchase orders for raw materials, components, and supplies.
- Resolve and troubleshoot material shortages or delays in coordination with production and procurement teams.
- Conduct routine inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies between physical stock and system records.
- Adjust safety stock levels and reorder points according to demand fluctuations and production requirements.
- Evaluate material costs and explore opportunities for cost reduction.
- Ensure procurement and material management practices adhere to company policies and industry standards.
- Utilize material planning and ERP software for data entry and analysis.
- Generate regular reports on material usage, inventory trends, and supplier performance.
- Address issues related to damaged or defective materials, ensuring timely resolution.
- Present material planning performance metrics and insights to management.
- Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the material planning process.
- Facilitate cross-functional team meetings focused on inventory control and material planning strategies.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Material Planner role holds a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field, accompanied by proven experience in material planning or a similar supply chain management role. This individual exhibits strong analytical capabilities, adept at interpreting complex data and forecasts to inform accurate material planning decisions. They are highly proficient in material planning software and ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle, and demonstrate exceptional organizational and multitasking skills to manage inventory levels and coordinate with suppliers effectively. Possessing strong communication skills, they collaborate seamlessly across cross-functional teams to troubleshoot material shortages and ensure timely and accurate deliveries. Their detail-oriented approach ensures meticulous attention to detail in maintaining inventory records and conducting regular audits. Additionally, they bring a strategic mindset to adjust safety stock levels and reorder points, paired with a proactive attitude to anticipate future material needs and explore cost-saving opportunities. The ideal candidate also showcases robust problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly under pressure, reinforced by experience in cost analysis and supplier negotiations. They embody a commitment to continuous improvement and adhere strictly to industry regulations and ethical procurement practices, making them a highly motivated, adaptable, and results-driven professional dedicated to achieving the company's material planning objectives efficiently and effectively.

On a typical day, you will...

- Analyze demand forecasts and production schedules to plan material requirements.
- Monitor inventory levels to ensure adequate supply while minimizing excess stock.
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials according to production needs.
- Create and update purchase orders for raw materials, components, and supplies.
- Collaborate with production, warehouse, and procurement teams to resolve material shortages or delays.
- Conduct regular inventory audits to reconcile physical stock with system records.
- Adjust material planning parameters, such as safety stock levels and reorder points, based on changing demand.
- Track material costs and work to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations in material procurement and management.
- Utilize material planning software and ERP systems for data entry, tracking, and reporting.
- Generate and analyze reports on material usage, inventory levels, and supplier performance.
- Address and resolve issues related to damaged or defective materials.
- Prepare and present material planning performance metrics to management.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance material planning efficiency.
- Facilitate cross-functional meetings to discuss material planning and inventory control strategies.

What we are looking for

- Detail-oriented with strong accuracy and attention to detail.
- Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Effective communicator who can clearly convey information across different teams.
- Strong multitasking and organizational skills.
- Proactive and able to anticipate future material needs.
- Results-driven with a focus on achieving targets and deadlines.
- Team player who collaborates well within cross-functional teams.
- Adaptable and flexible in a dynamic work environment.
- Highly motivated with a strong work ethic.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to plan and execute material needs efficiently.
- Resourceful and innovative in finding solutions to material planning challenges.
- Strong decision-making capabilities, particularly under pressure.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
- Strong negotiation skills to manage supplier relationships effectively.
- Technologically savvy with proficiency in ERP and material planning software.
- High level of integrity and adherence to ethical procurement practices.

What you can expect (benefits)

- Competitive salary range commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Flexible work schedule with remote work options
- Professional development opportunities, including training programs and certifications
- Tuition reimbursement for relevant courses and degrees
- Employee assistance program (EAP) for counseling and support services
- Wellness programs and resources, including gym membership discounts
- Life and disability insurance coverage
- Performance bonuses and incentive programs
- Employee recognition and reward programs
- Company-sponsored social events and team-building activities
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools for optimal job performance
- Opportunities for career advancement and internal promotions
- Onsite amenities (where applicable), such as cafeteria, free parking, and relaxation areas
- Collaborative and inclusive work culture
- Supportive management and mentorship programs
- Employee discount programs (e.g., corporate discounts at partner retailers)

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