Material Planner

The Material Planner manages finished goods, raw materials, packaging, and direct material inventories to deliver lowest-cost supply chain solutions while maximizing customer satisfaction. This role balances manufacturing and distribution efficiency, working capital requirements, and customer service expectations.

The role supports Foam Material Planning in a new plant by partnering closely with plant operations on production schedules, STOs, and plant-specific, SKU-level forecasts. This startup environment will require tailored planning support, proactive issue resolution, and strong cross-functional coordination as processes, systems, and operating rhythms are established. The role also requires analysis and reporting related to Foam materials, including slow-moving and obsolete inventory, blocked stock, inventory quality management, schedule attainment, and weekly sales, production, and inventory updates.

The Foam Material Planner drives service KPI improvement, supports supply chain productivity initiatives, and identifies continuous improvement opportunities across material planning. The role applies advanced analytics and project management principles to improve service, generate enterprise value, and strengthen planning performance.

Reports to: Material Planning Team Leader

Span of Control: Individual Contributor

Job Responsibilities

• Live the Safety standard and adhere to all safety responsibilities.
• Adjust and optimize inventory strategies to align with Foam business goals and objectives.
• Maintain close alignment with production resources to support smooth manufacturing planning and control through finished goods planning and procurement of packaging and direct materials.
• Serve as the supply chain liaison for operations and external suppliers in managing finished goods and raw material inventories.
• Coordinate activities and communications across the supply chain, including materials management, logistics, customer solutions, and data.
• Monitor goods receipts not invoiced and kick-outs to ensure suppliers are paid promptly; identify root causes and take action to prevent recurrence.
• Provide timely information, business insights, analytics, and performance evaluations to help the business meet its operating plan.
• Create and maintain master data in SAP, including material master, vendor master, info records, and other key data.
• Participate in or lead business and kaizen teams supporting product rollouts and productivity projects.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork, communication, and a positive impact on a dynamic, successful team.
  
  

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business or a related field
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, customer service, or materials management role preferred; APICS certification a plus
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Apply critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving ability.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced, day-to-day operations environment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively.
• Lead and influence peers.
• Demonstrate curiosity.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a matrix environment.
• Manage multiple priorities and projects while effectively communicating results.
• Maintain high standards for work quality.
• Exercise strong decision-making capabilities.
• Apply general supply chain and business acumen.
• Use SAP and relevant analytical tools.
• Demonstrate strong motivation and a results-driven mindset.