Material Planner

Job Purpose

Understand, predict, and enhance material planning using analytical and quantitative methods. Support purchasing, scheduling, planning, and operations by assembling data, analyzing performance, identifying problems, and developing recommendations.

Essential Functions

• Anticipate product needs, source vendors, and procure all raw materials required for production and R&D

• Review lead times, minimum order requirements, shelf-life, and usage to determine order frequency and maintain lean inventory system

• Plan material to attain company metrics of inventory turns and customer fill rate

• Analyze actual production volumes versus budget and production

• Make purchasing decisions based on current inventory and sales expectations

• Support quotes, contracts, RFQs, and standards for purchases

• Communicate with necessary staff regarding price changes and supplier shortages

• Work to resolve material shortages

• Foster relationships with supplier organizations

• Interface with vendors and forecast material integrity

• Oversee and improve vendor performance

• Investigate issues, find root cause, and develop solutions

• Assist with other supply chain analysis and initiatives as needed

• Comply with all food safety requirements, training, policies, and procedures

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)

• Bachelor's degree in a supply chain-related discipline and/or 3 equivalent years of experience

• APICS affiliation/certification

• Food manufacturing experience and familiarity with commodity sensitive businesses preferred

• Retail and foodservice channel experience desired

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel; experience with ERP Systems (Microsoft Great Plains, SAP preferred)

• Experience with manufacturing modules including MRP, MPS, and WMS

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills

• Ability to effectively communicate with multi-level personnel as well as suppliers, customers, and their representatives

• Ability to work cross-functionally, convey complex issues, and maintain confidentiality

• Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to think quickly and handle frequent change

• Self-motivated, goal oriented, quality driven, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision