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Title
Text copied to clipboard!Materials Planner
Description
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We are looking for a meticulous Materials Planner to join our team and play a crucial role in optimizing the flow of materials within our organization to ensure efficient production processes and minimal inventory costs. The ideal candidate will be responsible for analyzing and forecasting material needs, coordinating with suppliers, and developing strategies to maintain optimal inventory levels. This role requires a deep understanding of supply chain operations, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work closely with various departments including procurement, production, and sales to ensure that material supply aligns with production schedules and customer demands. The Materials Planner will also be tasked with identifying inefficiencies, recommending improvements to material handling processes, and implementing solutions to reduce waste and enhance productivity. With a focus on continuous improvement, the Materials Planner will play a key role in supporting our organization's goals of operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
Text copied to clipboard!- Analyze and forecast material requirements to ensure uninterrupted production.
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Develop and maintain inventory control systems to track and manage material flow.
- Work closely with the production team to align material availability with production schedules.
- Identify and resolve material shortages or delays promptly.
- Implement strategies to reduce inventory costs and eliminate waste.
- Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
- Collaborate with procurement to negotiate contracts and secure favorable terms.
- Monitor industry trends and supplier performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Recommend process improvements to enhance material handling efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and quality standards.
- Prepare and present reports on inventory levels, supply chain performance, and forecast accuracy.
- Participate in cross-functional teams to support new product introductions and phase-outs.
- Manage the return of defective or excess materials to suppliers.
- Support the implementation of supply chain management software and tools.
- Train and mentor junior staff in materials planning best practices.
Requirements
Text copied to clipboard!- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
- Proven experience as a Materials Planner or in a similar role within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of supply chain and inventory management principles.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in supply chain management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate with various departments.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and practices.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in negotiating with suppliers and managing supplier relationships.
- Understanding of quality standards and compliance requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Certification in supply chain management (e.g., CPIM) is a plus.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing demands and priorities.
Potential interview questions
Text copied to clipboard!- Can you describe your experience with supply chain management software?
- How do you handle material shortages or delays in delivery?
- What strategies have you implemented in the past to reduce inventory costs?
- Can you give an example of how you improved material handling efficiency in a previous role?
- How do you ensure material availability aligns with production schedules?
- Describe a time when you had to negotiate with a supplier. What was the outcome?
- How do you stay informed about industry trends and their impact on material planning?
- What methods do you use to forecast material requirements?
- Can you explain a situation where you identified and resolved a discrepancy in inventory?
- How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment?