Material Control Planner II

Sumitomo Electric Group•El Paso, TX

About The Position

The Material Control Planner II plans and procures raw materials needed for wiring harness production, balancing material availability with inventory targets. The role works with suppliers and manufacturing plants to prevent shortages, resolve supply issues, and support production requirements. It also shares technical knowledge and best practices with other material control planners and contributes to process improvement initiatives. The position reviews MRP requirements and forecasts, manages purchase orders and blanket purchase orders, monitors supplier commitments and delivery performance, and develops recovery plans for supplier risks. It keeps manufacturing plants and warehouses informed about arrivals and supply concerns; reviews inventory, safety stock, and demand changes; and coordinates with suppliers and internal teams to resolve purchasing, invoice, receiving, and delivery discrepancies. The planner coordinates expedited shipments when necessary while seeking to minimize premium freight costs, follows up on corrective actions for recurring issues, participates in supplier meetings and forecast reviews, and supports assigned process-improvement projects. Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc. (SEWS) is part of the Sumitomo family of companies and supplies electrical distribution systems, components, and electronics to automakers. The company describes itself as a leading supplier with facilities throughout North America and a global network of resources. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and salary history. SEWS is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Three to five years of progressive experience in production, material planning, and/or warehouse operations.
Strong knowledge of MRP systems, forecasting, inventory management, and purchasing processes.
Hands-on experience with Blanket Purchase Orders or Scheduling Agreements, including release management and supplier coordination.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills.
Good judgment and ability to manage competing priorities and complex supplier issues.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to share knowledge and support other planners when needed.

Nice To Haves

Power BI and Smartsheet experience.
Experience working with manufacturing plants in Mexico.

Responsibilities

Review MRP requirements and forecasts, and manage purchase orders for assigned suppliers to meet production needs.
Manage Blanket Purchase Orders, including releases, delivery schedules, supplier confirmations, and discrepancies.
Monitor back orders, supplier commitments, and delivery performance.
Identify supplier risks and develop recovery plans to prevent production interruptions.
Keep manufacturing plants and warehouses informed of material arrivals, backorders, and potential supply issues.
Review inventory levels, safety stock, and demand changes to maintain material availability while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
Work with suppliers and internal departments to resolve purchase order, invoice, receiving, and delivery discrepancies.
Coordinate and track expedited shipments when needed to protect production while minimizing premium freight costs.
Identify recurring supplier and planning issues, coordinate corrective actions, and follow up to prevent recurrence.
Participate in supplier meetings and forecast reviews.
Lead or support assigned projects to improve material planning processes.
Share technical knowledge and best practices with other material control planners and support them when needed.