Sr. Material Planner, Apparel Global Planning

New Balance•Boston, MA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Material Planner is responsible for developing and executing global material plans that support apparel demand, production requirements, and product launch objectives while minimizing material liability and inventory risk. This role translates global forecasts, customer demand, and manufacturing constraints into actionable material strategies, ensuring material availability across the supply chain. Success in this role requires strong analytical capabilities, data-driven decision making, and effective cross-functional collaboration to optimize inventory investment, supplier commitments, and service performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Logistics, or related field and/or 5+ years of experience in material planning, supply planning, inventory management, sourcing, or supply chain operations.
Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret large data sets, identify trends, assess business impacts, and translate insights into actionable planning decisions supporting a global supply chain.
Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills, including forecasting, inventory optimization, risk analysis, and scenario planning.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and build collaborative partnerships across sourcing, production, logistics, finance, and supplier teams.
Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, ERP/MRP systems, and business intelligence tools with strong data mining and reporting capabilities.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain global material plans utilizing line plans, forecasts, BOMs, production schedules, and demand signals to ensure material availability and support business objectives.
Manage the material commitment process, balancing service levels, launch readiness, and inventory investments while minimizing material liability and excess inventory exposure.
Analyze global demand trends, forecast variability, supplier constraints, lead times, and material consumption to identify risks and drive proactive planning decisions.
Create and maintain material supply plans that align sourcing, manufacturing, and inventory strategies with global supply chain requirements.
Monitor material shortages, excess inventory, and potential supply disruptions; develop mitigation plans and drive issue resolution with cross-functional partners and suppliers.
Facilitate the material liability management process by providing visibility into financial exposure, excess inventory, and consumption opportunities while collaborating with Finance and key business stakeholders.
Evaluate material performance and planning metrics to identify trends, improve forecast accuracy, optimize inventory levels, and enhance planning processes.
Lead and support strategic material planning initiatives, process improvements, and business transformation projects related to inventory management and supply chain optimization.