Materials Planner

Ace Controls•Farmington Hills, MI

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Materials Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating materials to support manufacturing operations and customer demand. This role ensures timely availability of components and raw materials through effective use of MRP, Kanban systems, and production scheduling. The Materials Planner analyzes demand signals, manages inventory levels, resolves material shortages, and works cross‑functionally to improve lead times, on‑time delivery, and overall material flow. The position also supports supplier coordination, cost control initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in materials planning, production planning, or supply chain analytics in a manufacturing environment
Experience with ERP/MRP systems; QAD experience strongly desired
3–5 years of experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred
Strong understanding of: MRP logic and planning parameters, Production scheduling and order policies, Bill of material (BOM) structures, Inventory management and multi‑plant planning
Experience with indirect materials (MRO) planning is a plus
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functional areas
Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel
Team‑oriented with a willingness to be a go‑to resource
Self‑motivated and proactive
Strong communication skills and cross‑functional collaboration ability
Continuous improvement mindset with an optimistic attitude
Comfortable managing multiple priorities and taking ownership from start to finish
Confident, organized, and capable of working independently and within a team environment

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred – Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related discipline

Responsibilities

Receives incoming customer releases and demand signals and converts them into executable material and production plans
Generates and maintains production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements
Performs rough‑cut capacity planning, including production rates, labor requirements, and equipment utilization
Monitors production schedules and material availability, making adjustments to optimize labor, materials, and machine usage
Analyzes MRP outputs and resolves shortages, expedites material, and identifies root causes of supply disruptions
Plans, calculates, and continuously improves Kanban parameters to support consistent material flow and improved on‑time delivery
Coordinates with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve lead times, delivery performance, and material availability
Supports purchasing activities by providing planning inputs for raw material and component procurement
Reviews and supports planning of MRO materials to ensure uninterrupted plant operations
Identifies excess and obsolete inventory and supports actions to reduce inventory exposure
Assists in maintaining inventory accuracy through system analysis, cycle count support, and process improvements
Supports cost‑reduction initiatives related to inventory, material usage, and planning efficiency
Actively participates in activities conforming to ISO 9000 standards and contributes to Continuous Improvement initiatives
Responsible for adhering to all ACE Controls, Inc. procedures, technical guidelines, and customer requirements
Accountable for maintaining accurate material plans that support production, delivery, and inventory targets