Senior Material Planner

Position Description

The Senior Material Planner is responsible for leading material planning and supply coordination activities to ensure uninterrupted production, optimized inventory levels, and efficient material flow across operations. This role serves as a key supply chain partner, driving planning strategies, mitigating supply risks, and supporting operational and financial objectives. The position requires advanced analytical capabilities, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to manage complex planning activities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead material planning activities for assigned product lines, business units, or manufacturing operations

• Develop and execute material planning strategies to balance inventory optimization, production continuity, and customer demand requirements

• Monitor and analyze inventory levels, demand variability, supplier lead times, and capacity constraints to proactively manage supply risks

• Collaborate with procurement, production, logistics, and demand planning teams to align material availability with operational priorities

• Drive resolution of critical material shortages, schedule disruptions, and supplier performance issues

• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and integrated planning activities through data analysis and supply recommendations

• Lead inventory optimization initiatives aimed at improving inventory turns, reducing excess inventory, and minimizing obsolescence

• Maintain and validate planning data within ERP and planning systems to ensure data integrity and planning accuracy

• Develop and improve planning processes, reporting tools, and standard operating procedures

• Mentor and support junior planners and team members, promoting best practices and operational consistency

• Communicate material risks, supply constraints, and planning recommendations to management and key stakeholders

Required Education & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in material planning, supply chain, inventory management, or manufacturing operations

• Advanced understanding of material planning, inventory optimization, and manufacturing support processes

• Strong proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel/data analysis skills

• Proven ability to manage complex planning activities and resolve supply chain challenges

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities

• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and support strategic operational decisions

• Effective communication and presentation skills

• Experience supporting S&OP, integrated business planning, or production scheduling processes preferred

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred

• Professional certifications (e.g., APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP) preferred