Material Planner

Purpose

The Material Planner supports production readiness by planning material requirements, releasing supply from blanket purchase orders, and managing the flow of materials through vendors. This role works closely with Production, Engineering, and Procurement to ensure materials are available to support stable, reliable schedules.

The Role

Material Planning & Schedule Stabilization

• Develop and maintain material plans that support production schedules, minimizing production delays.
• Release material from blanket purchase agreements based on demand signals, consumption trends, and agreed-upon production schedules.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries that support stable production plans.
• Manage the flow of sub-components through vendors to deliver end items to support the production schedule.
• Resolve shortages, supplier delays, or quality issues promptly to protect production schedules.
• Contribute to cost-reduction initiatives through improved planning accuracy and cross-functional coordination.
• Identify inefficiencies and propose improvements that enhance material flow and schedule reliability.

Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) & Impact Analysis

• Review ECOs to understand material, BOM, and process impacts.
• Conduct impact analysis to determine inventory exposure, transition timing, and potential effects on production schedules.
• Work with Engineering. Production and Procurement to implement changes smoothly, minimizing disruptions, avoiding unnecessary costs and obsolete inventory.

Supplier Collaboration (Operational vs. Strategic Split)

• Procurement manages strategic supplier relationships, including pricing, contracts, MOQs, and long-term performance.
• Maintain compliance with ITAR/EAR and DFARS regulations.
• The Planner manages operational execution, including:
• Releasing supply from blanket purchase orders.
• Confirming and tracking delivery dates.
• Monitoring short-term supply risks.
• Advise the Buyer to any shortages in the negotiated supply.
• Assist in the development and preparation of vendor KPIs.
• Keep leadership advised of risks or opportunities that may affect the agreed upon production schedule.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• Must meet the definition of a US Person
• Experience in a ITAR/DFAR environment
• Bachelor's degree.
• Ability to plan into the future and execute to established plans.
• Excellent exception management skills.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and condensed timelines.
• Must have strong analytical skills and the ability to extract and communicate fact patterns impacting supply.
• Experience with Outlook, Excel and ERP systems.
• Ability to work in a cross functional group.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor or masters degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, business and/or with supply chain related major.
• 5+ years of previous supply chain related experience.
• Experience in the automotive arena.
• Advanced Excel and Power BI.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion ERP
• APICS Certification (CPIM, CSCP)

Work Environment

• This role operates in both office and manufacturing floor environments, requiring occasional interaction with production teams to address planning and operational needs.
• Minimal travel may be required to support supplier or customer engagements and program launches.

What We Offer

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
• Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
• Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.