Material Planner

Reports to: Materials Manager

As a Materials Planner , you will be responsible for managing materials and inventory levels to support production requirements and ensure on-time delivery of components. You will work closely with suppliers, production teams, and other stakeholders to optimize inventory levels, minimize costs, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Materials Planning and Scheduling:

• Develop and maintain materials plans based on production schedules, sales forecasts, and inventory targets.
• Coordinate with production planners to ensure timely availability of materials and components to support production requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and replenish materials as needed to prevent stockouts and minimize excess inventory.
• Communicate production requirements and delivery schedules to suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and address any issues related to quality, delivery, or pricing.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to optimize costs and ensure continuity of supply.

Inventory Control:

• Implement inventory control measures to optimize inventory levels and minimize carrying costs.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and cycle counts to ensure accuracy and integrity of inventory data.
• Analyze inventory trends and variances to identify opportunities for improvement.

Production Coordination:

• Collaborate with production teams to prioritize materials and components based on production schedules and demand forecasts.
• Coordinate material deliveries and shipments to ensure alignment with production requirements.
• Resolve any material-related issues that may impact production schedules or quality.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings in materials planning and inventory management.
• Implement best practices and standardize processes to streamline materials planning activities.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and projects to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare and analyze reports on materials usage, inventory levels, and supplier performance.
• Provide insights and recommendations to management based on data analysis.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track materials planning performance.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in materials planning, inventory management, or supply chain coordination, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Proven experience in Materials Planning or a related field. (headliners and overhead systems, door and console armrests, instrument panel trim components, and fiber solutions)
• Knowledge of the automotive interior products industry.
• Strong knowledge of materials planning principles, inventory control methods, and supply chain processes.
• Proficiency in materials planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality.