Senior Material Planner

Position Overview The Senior Material Planner is responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials required for production by managing demand planning, purchasing, supplier communication, and scheduling activities. This role serves as the primary point of contact for all raw material suppliers and is accountable for maintaining optimal inventory levels, coordinating logistics, and driving cost‑effective procurement strategies. The position plays a critical role in aligning supply chain activities with production goals, ensuring timely delivery, and supporting overall operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities 1. Raw Material Planning, Purchasing & Inventory Management -Develop and maintain raw material forecasts based on production schedules, sales projections, and historical trends. -Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock situations. -Create and manage replenishment plans to ensure materials arrive on time and in the correct quantities. -Analyze consumption patterns and adjust planning parameters (MOQ, safety stock, lead times) to optimize flow. -Identify potential bottlenecks and proactively adjust schedules to maintain output targets. 2. Purchasing Act as the primary point of contact for all raw material suppliers. Issue purchase orders, track confirmations, and ensure supplier commitments are met. Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and delivery schedules to optimize cost and quality. Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs such as on‑time delivery, responsiveness, and quality compliance. 3. Logistics Coordination -Coordinate inbound shipments, ensuring timely delivery and accurate documentation. -Work with freight carriers, customs brokers, and warehouse teams to resolve delivery issues. -Optimize transportation modes and routes to reduce cost and improve reliability. -Maintain visibility into shipment status and proactively communicate delays or risks. 4. Cross‑Functional Collaboration -Partner with operations, production, engineering, and finance to align supply chain activities with -business goals. -Support new product launches by planning material requirements and onboarding new suppliers. -Provide regular updates on material availability, risks, and mitigation plans. -Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to streamline planning and procurement processes. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field (preferred). 3–5 years of experience in material planning, production scheduling, or procurement. Strong analytical skills with proficiency in MRP/ERP systems (Odoo, SAP, Oracle, etc.). Excellent communication and negotiation abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Knowledge of logistics, lead‑time management, and supplier performance metrics. Key Competencies Strategic Planning: Ability to forecast, plan, and align materials with production needs. Supplier Relationship Management: Skilled in communication, negotiation, and performance oversight. Operational Discipline: Strong follow‑through, organization, and attention to detail. Problem Solving: Capable of identifying risks early and implementing effective solutions. Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Works seamlessly with internal teams to drive operational success. Success Indicators Consistent on‑time delivery of raw materials. Stable production schedule with minimal disruptions. Reduced material shortages. Improved supplier performance and cost optimization. Clear communication and proactive risk management.