Materials Planner

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.

Job Description

The Material Planner plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth flow of purchased materials from suppliers through the production value stream. This position involves coordinating material availability, managing inventory levels, addressing supply constraints, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet production and customer demands effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Material Flow Management:
• Plan and control the movement of purchased parts to ensure timely delivery and adequate supply.
• Proactively and reactively address component shortages, identifying and resolving issues that impact production.
• Optimize inventory levels by analyzing lot sizes, replenishment schedules, and shipping frequencies.
• Production Support:
• Evaluate material requirements to align with production schedules and customer demands.
• Monitor material availability to identify and mitigate potential production delays.
• Provide material supply/demand confirmation based on shop load and inventory requirements.
• Summarize inventory shortage impacts for assemblies and end items released to the production floor.
• Supplier Coordination:
• Escalate supplier constraints to Strategic Sourcing and collaborate on resolution strategies.
• Work closely with suppliers to address delays and ensure timely order fulfillment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Coordinate with Quality, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Engineering teams to streamline operations.
• Propose solutions to prevent work stoppages due to material shortages or delays.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Participate in improvement projects and initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement material replenishment strategies tailored to the value stream.
• Inventory Management:
• Ensure inventory integrity by establishing effective strategies for each purchased material.
• Analyze inventory velocity and assess the risk of obsolescence.
• Plan and organize space requirements for assigned commodities.
• Reporting and Metrics:
• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly reports to track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Document and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to material planning and control.
  

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficiency with ERP systems (IQMS experience preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field, or 3 years of equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of Lean principles, including 5S, visual management, continuous improvement, and pull systems.
• Experience in supply chain, manufacturing, and inventory control processes.
• Ability to interpret and work with production planning documentation and part lists.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  
  
  

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.


It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.