Material Planner

Riviana Foods•Memphis, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Planner is responsible for ensuring adequate quantities of the correct raw and packaging materials are available to support the production schedule. This role also oversees the monitoring and control of packaging inventory levels to optimize inventory turnover and minimize material obsolescence whenever possible. In addition, the Materials Planner develops supporting material plans and collaborates closely with Production Scheduling to identify and resolve supply issues related to schedule changes. The role also includes maintaining and monitoring raw material and packaging bill of material (BOM) information for both new and existing products.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in business, logistics, inventory management preferred; High school diploma/GED required
Purchasing certificate and/or Production Planning certificate, APICS, CPIM is a plus
4+ years of experience in material planning, inventory management, purchasing, or a related position
Strong SAP experience in MRP/Scheduling, Inventory Management, Master Data, Warehouse Management, and Production Control
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization.
Knowledge and experience working with suppliers, freight and rail carriers, and purchasing personnel, along with a strong understanding of purchasing concepts and corporate objectives.
Knowledge of plant operations and production scheduling.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing conditions under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

Manage MRP parameters to ensure timely material purchase order creation and delivery in support of production schedules and inventory management objectives.
Communicate with suppliers regarding material requirements and resolve material supply issues.
Ensure materials meet specifications, quality standards, cost expectations, and production requirements.
Manage the return of defective or rejected materials to vendors and ensure proper credits are issued.
Coordinate with cross-functional departments regarding production goals, timelines, and supplier payments.
Schedule and oversee the supply and delivery of materials and products.
Manage requirements for new materials and oversee updates and creation of packaging bills of materials.
Liaise with customers, suppliers, and distributors to support operational needs.
Monitor and manage inventory issues, schedule changes, and order cancellations.
Prepare cost estimates and performance reports.
Define purchasing criteria including safety stock levels, minimum order quantities, economic order quantities, and obsolescence strategies.
Issue and maintain purchase orders and SAP system setup for inbound supply.
Manage inventory flow from the on-site warehouse to the main plant.
Track vendor performance and collaborate with suppliers to improve cost and service levels.
Maintain strong relationships with corporate purchasing to escalate vendor issues and identify sourcing opportunities.
Develop and maintain purchasing decision tools within SAP and spreadsheets.
Participate in projects involving new product development, reformulations, and product discontinuations.
Partner with Warehouse, Packaging, and Accounting teams to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.