SUV Material Planner

Slate Auto • Warsaw, IN

56d • $89,517 - $134,275 • Onsite

About The Position

Material Planner plays a vital role in supporting operational excellence by ensuring timely and efficient flow of materials throughout the production process. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and optimizing material availability to meet production demands while driving improvements in inventory management, supplier logistics, and packaging solutions. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong analytical mindset, deep organizational skills, and an unwavering commitment to collaborative problem-solving.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience in a manufacturing or materials planning role will be considered.
• 5+ of pertinent professional experience in material and production planning
• Experience in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Background in supporting product launches, engineering change management, and material transitions.
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions and interact professionally with all levels of the organization.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis).
• Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a drive for accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with automotive or high-volume production systems, supplier logistics, and JIT delivery models.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., automotive, medical devices, aerospace) is an asset.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, FUUZ, Plex or similar) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute material requirements plans based on production forecasts, customer orders, and inventory targets.
• Ensure raw materials, components, and packaging are available at the right time and quantity to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
• Monitor inventory levels, conduct regular cycle counts, and collaborate with warehouse staff to maintain accurate records.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies, optimize stock levels, and support initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
• Communicate with suppliers to confirm delivery schedules, expedite urgent orders, and resolve issues related to quality or logistics.
• Support supplier performance reviews and contribute to just-in-time (JIT) delivery initiatives.
• Collaborate with production supervisors and engineering teams to ensure material readiness for product launches and engineering changes.
• Support the ramp-up and phase-out of products by managing material transitions and obsolescence.
• Participate in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement projects focused on optimizing material flow, reducing waste, and enhancing process efficiency.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel and other tools to analyze material consumption trends, forecast requirements, and generate reports for management review.
• Leverage pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and other advanced functions to synthesize data and support decision-making.
• Work closely with purchasing, logistics, quality, and engineering teams to resolve material shortages, bottlenecks, or process issues.
• Communicate proactively to prevent disruptions and foster a culture of teamwork.
• Maintain accurate documentation of material plans, inventory transactions, and supplier correspondence in accordance with company policies and audit requirements.
• Support coordination and execution of factory production schedules to ensure timely completion of work orders and effective use of manufacturing resources.
• Manage vehicle work orders and collaborate with production teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and prioritize critical tasks.

Benefits

• Professional Development Opportunities for ongoing training in supply chain management, lean manufacturing, and ERP systems.
• Support for Professional certifications (APICS, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Mentorship and growth into senior planning, purchasing, or supply chain leadership roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level