Production & Materials Planner

Overview

The Production & Material Planner is responsible for coordinating materials, production logistics, inventory control, and external manufacturing activities to support the efficient manufacture of company products. This role ensures that the necessary materials, suppliers, and processes are in place to meet production schedules and customer demand. The position works cross-functionally with purchasing, quality, customer service, engineering, and external suppliers to ensure the timely flow of materials and finished goods.

The Product Control Specialist will also monitor supplier performance, maintain optimal inventory levels, and support supply chain initiatives that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen supplier relationships.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, logistics, or related field preferred
• Associate’s degree with relevant manufacturing or supply chain experience considered
• Proven experience in logistics, supply chain, production planning, or inventory management
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment preferred
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

• Collaborate with internal departments including production, engineering, quality, purchasing, and customer service to support production requirements.
• Initiate and manage production orders to support customer sales orders and stocking requirements.
• Coordinate raw material availability with purchasing teams to support production schedules.
• Serve as a primary contact for external manufacturing facilities supporting company orders.
• Oversee activities required to support the manufacture of products, ensuring materials, resources, and processes are aligned with production requirements.

• Monitor and analyze inventory levels to ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory and carrying costs.
• Support demand forecasting and planning activities to maintain accurate inventory levels.
• Track inventory movement related to production orders, ensuring accurate system transactions and inventory visibility.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory turnover, stock accuracy, and material flow efficiency.

• Coordinate with suppliers and external manufacturing partners to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
• Monitor supplier performance and lead cross-functional problem resolution when production or supply issues arise.
• Participate in supplier evaluations, RFQs, and improvement initiatives to strengthen relationships and improve lead times.
• Support supplier relationship management to improve lead times, service levels, and supply continuity.
• Communicate supplier issues or risks that could impact production schedules and collaborate on resolution plans.

• Coordinate logistics activities associated with inbound materials and production support.
• Work with logistics and transportation partners to ensure timely material delivery to support manufacturing operations.
• Assist in optimizing material flow between suppliers, manufacturing partners, and internal operations.

• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production support, supplier performance, and inventory management.
• Analyze supply chain and production data to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost savings.
• Provide regular updates on program status, supply risks, and production support activities.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve operational issues affecting production or supply continuity.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to supply chain and production operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing and supply chain operations
• Inventory control and material planning knowledge
• Supplier management and vendor coordination skills
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Ability to utilize standard office equipment and tools, both in the administrative environment and the production environment.
• Ability to navigate throughout the production area and facilities as needed, which may require standing and walking for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.