Materials Planner

Position Title: Materials 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.

**Supplier Management**:

- 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.

***Continuous Improvement**:

- 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.