Materials Planner

Materials Planner

Location:

Chicago, IL 60629

Work Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 1st shift (7:00 am–3:30 pm) with required flexibility for additional coverage (typically 8:00 am–5:00 pm).

• Finite Scheduling
  • Maintain SAP APO master data (blackout calendar, min lot size & rounding values, production versions, master recipes/BOMs, run rates, loss factors, changeover matrices).
  • Convert weekly SNP orders to PPDS planned orders as production plans roll into the finite window.
  • Hold weekly scheduling meetings with Product Supply, labor, material, and operations to confirm the production schedule.
  • Sequence PPDS planned orders, create and close process orders, and adjust daily as needed.
  • Ensure master compliance by matching Lag‑2 plans to current‑week process orders and update the CTS report.
  • Review blackout calendar quarterly with internal teams.
• Material Management
  • Coordinate with suppliers, transportation, HQ material management, and procurement to guarantee timely receipt of ingredients.
  • Execute change notifications, reorder materials, and manage cancellations per the change order.
  • Monitor receiving, SAP entry, and ensure real‑time accuracy of inventory data.
  • Update bulk cargo delivery schedules, validate silo/tank capacity, and manage storage.
• Quality
  • Identify and coordinate removal or destruction of obsolete or unusable materials.
  • Handle quality holds, shelf‑life tracking, vendor complaints, and returns for credit.
• Inventory
  • Conduct weekly cycle counts, post results, and analyze variance root causes.
  • Manage yard and warehouse capacity; provide inventory analytics for risk/opportunity decisions.
  • Lead warehouse projects using Lean/Six Sigma to drive continuous improvement.
  • Assist with general warehouse supervision and serve as backup for other staff.

• Strong operational & supply‑chain experience in FMCG/CPG with TPM, 5S, LEAN, or Six Sigma tools.
• Financial acumen and project‑management skills.
• Knowledge of material/production planning, inventory control, and warehouse operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; coaching and leadership ability in a team environment.
• Proficiency in SAP APO and SAP ECC; MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Strong analytical, multitasking, and influencing skills; ability to work under pressure.
• Experience with vendor and supplier management.

• Demonstrated analytics and problem‑solving abilities.
• Self‑motivated decision‑maker who thrives with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail, action‑oriented, and strong relationship building.

• Reports directly to the Supply Chain Manager / Materials Manager.
• Liaison to plant functional managers and daily contact with headquarters planners, procurement, freight carriers, and warehouse operators.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business, or 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of SAP APO/ECC preferred; additional certifications in lean or Six Sigma welcome.

• Computer proficiency (MS Office).
• Strong time‑management and multitasking skills.
• Flexibility to work variable hours/days to meet business demands.