Materials Planner

GTI Fabrication • Buffalo, NY

7d

About The Position

GTI Fabrication is seeking a highly analytical and execution-focused Materials Planner to manage material readiness across multiple manufacturing value streams. This role is responsible for ensuring materials are available to support production schedules while optimizing inventory levels, warehouse utilization, and working capital performance. The Materials Planner serves as a critical link between Supply Chain, Production Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Warehouse Operations. Success in this role requires strong ERP/MRP expertise, inventory management discipline, and the ability to proactively identify material risks before they impact production. The ideal candidate possesses experience in contract manufacturing, engineered-to-order environments, or complex industrial manufacturing operations where material availability directly impacts throughput, on-time delivery, and operational performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of Materials Planning, Production Planning, Inventory Planning, or Supply Chain experience.
• Experience within contract manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, EMS, modular construction, or engineered-to-order environments.
• Strong understanding of: MRP, Inventory Management, Material Requirements Planning, Safety Stock Methodologies, Demand Planning Principles, Supply Chain Operations.
• Advanced ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar).
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.

Nice To Haves

• APICS CPIM certification.
• Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of BOM structures, ECO processes, and engineering-driven manufacturing.
• Experience supporting electrical integration, fabrication, welding, or modular manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage Clear-to-Build (CTB) status for assigned production schedules and manufacturing orders.
• Conduct daily material readiness reviews to ensure production orders are fully supported prior to release.
• Identify material shortages, supply constraints, and inventory gaps that could impact production schedules.
• Escalate critical material risks and drive cross-functional recovery plans with Procurement and Operations teams.
• Maintain visibility of material availability across fabrication, assembly, electrical integration, and final system builds.
• Manage inventory levels to support production demand while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Analyze inventory health, turns, aging inventory, and warehouse capacity utilization.
• Drive inventory reduction initiatives while maintaining service level and production continuity.
• Monitor safety stock levels and recommend adjustments based on demand variability, lead times, and supplier performance.
• Support cycle counting, inventory accuracy initiatives, and material control processes.
• Maintain planning parameters including: Safety Stock, Reorder Points, Min/Max Levels, Lead Times, Lot Sizing Rules, Order Policies.
• Ensure ERP planning data remains accurate and aligned with operational requirements.
• Review MRP outputs daily and take appropriate planning actions.
• Drive continuous improvement of planning master data and system integrity.
• Partner closely with Production Planning to ensure material availability aligns with manufacturing schedules.
• Collaborate with Buyers and Procurement teams to expedite critical shortages and manage supplier constraints.
• Work with Warehouse Operations to optimize inventory placement and material flow.
• Participate in daily production meetings, shortage reviews, and supply chain planning discussions.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and engineering change implementation activities.
• Develop and maintain material status reporting and shortage dashboards.
• Analyze demand trends, consumption patterns, and forecast changes impacting inventory requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics impacting material availability.
• Generate recommendations to improve inventory efficiency and working capital performance.
• Support monthly inventory reviews and executive supply chain reporting.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (where applicable)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sick time in accordance with state and local requirements
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Career advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing organization
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, modular infrastructure, and large-scale industrial projects
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with strong operational and engineering leadership
• Employee-focused culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

What This Job Offers

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