Material Planner

About Riviana Foods Inc.
Riviana Foods Inc. is a world class leader in the rice sector and is America’s largest processor, marketer, and distributor of branded and private label rice products. Riviana brands are well known for their quality and excellence. Key brands include Adolphus®, Blue Ribbon®, Colusa Rose®, Carolina®, Comet®, Gourmet House®, Mahatma®, Minute®, River®, RiceSelect®, Sello Rojo®, Success® and Water Maid®. Riviana Foods is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., a multinational food group operating in the rice, pasta and sauces sectors. Based in Spain, Ebro Foods has commercial and/or industrial presence in more than 25 countries in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, through its extensive network of subsidiaries and brands. Our global reach is an important factor in Riviana's success.  As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., the world leader in rice sector, we take a world view of the rice business and draw upon the global resources of our parent company.

About the Role
The Materials Planner is responsible for ensuring adequate quantities of the correct raw and packaging materials are available to support the production schedule. This role also oversees the monitoring and control of packaging inventory levels to optimize inventory turnover and minimize material obsolescence whenever possible.

In addition, the Materials Planner develops supporting material plans and collaborates closely with Production Scheduling to identify and resolve supply issues related to schedule changes. The role also includes maintaining and monitoring raw material and packaging bill of material (BOM) information for both new and existing products.

What You’ll Do

• Manage MRP parameters to ensure timely material purchase order creation and delivery in support of production schedules and inventory management objectives.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding material requirements and resolve material supply issues.
• Ensure materials meet specifications, quality standards, cost expectations, and production requirements.
• Manage the return of defective or rejected materials to vendors and ensure proper credits are issued.
• Coordinate with cross-functional departments regarding production goals, timelines, and supplier payments.
• Schedule and oversee the supply and delivery of materials and products.
• Manage requirements for new materials and oversee updates and creation of packaging bills of materials.
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and distributors to support operational needs.
• Monitor and manage inventory issues, schedule changes, and order cancellations.
• Prepare cost estimates and performance reports.
• Define purchasing criteria including safety stock levels, minimum order quantities, economic order quantities, and obsolescence strategies.
• Issue and maintain purchase orders and SAP system setup for inbound supply.
• Manage inventory flow from the on-site warehouse to the main plant.
• Track vendor performance and collaborate with suppliers to improve cost and service levels.
• Maintain strong relationships with corporate purchasing to escalate vendor issues and identify sourcing opportunities.
• Develop and maintain purchasing decision tools within SAP and spreadsheets.
• Participate in projects involving new product development, reformulations, and product discontinuations.
• Partner with Warehouse, Packaging, and Accounting teams to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s Degree in Degree in business, logistics, inventory management preferred; High school diploma/GED required
• Purchasing certificate and/or Production Planning certificate, APICS, CPIM is a plus
• 4 years of experience in material planning, inventory management, purchasing, or a related position
• Strong SAP experience in MRP/Scheduling, Inventory Management, Master Data, Warehouse Management, and Production Control
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge and experience working with suppliers, freight and rail carriers, and purchasing personnel, along with a strong understanding of purchasing concepts and corporate objectives.
• Knowledge of plant operations and production scheduling.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing conditions under tight deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Visual acuity to read and evaluate data
• Able to use a variety of communication methods on a frequent basis
• Ability to operate a keyboard.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Riviana Foods Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, citizenship where legally permitted to work, or any other protected category under federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance.  This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations.