Material Planner

About the Role

The Finished Goods Material Planner coordinates the packaging, inventory, and dispatch of bagged and palletized cement, balancing plant production output with fast-moving distribution demands. They ensure packaging materials are stocked, finished inventory levels meet market demand, and warehouse limits are not exceeded. This role is crucial in supporting production schedules, optimizing supply chain efficiency, and minimizing costs without compromising quality or delivery timelines.

Responsibilities

• Packaging Inventory Management: Forecast, order, and maintain optimal stock levels for paper/polypropylene bags, stretch wrap, slipsheets, and pallets.
• Production & Packing Scheduling: Coordinate with the packing plant supervisor to align weekly bagging schedules with sales orders/forecast and plan silo filling with site operations.
• Warehouse Capacity Optimization: Monitor finished goods storage limits to prevent congestion and manage product shelf-life/rotation (FIFO).
• Dispatch & Distribution Planning: Partner with logistics teams to schedule truck loading, optimize bay utilization, and minimize customer wait times.
• Waste & Loss Control: Track and analyze packaging material breakage, spillage, and variance to minimize operational waste.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Collaborate with Sales, Quality Control, and Plant Operations to address sudden demand spikes or quality holds on specific batches.
• Material Planning Strategy: Develop and maintain strategies to ensure uninterrupted production flow.
• MRP Scheduling: Create, manage, and adjust material requirement planning (MRP) schedules based on forecasts, orders, and production plans.
• Inventory Management: Monitor levels to prevent stockouts, overstock, and delays.
• Demand and Forecasting Analysis: Analyze trends and supplier lead times for accurate planning.
• Purchase Order Management: Place orders, track shipments, and expedite deliveries as needed.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Resolve delivery issues, discrepancies, shortages, or quality concerns.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Procurement, Production, Engineering, and Finance to align on material needs.
• ERP and Data Management: Maintain accurate ERP/MRP data, ensure BOM accuracy, and update planning parameters.
• Reporting and Performance Metrics: Prepare reports on inventory, material availability, and supplier performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and supply chain optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Operations, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2–5 years of experience in material planning, inventory management, or supply chain operations within fast-moving industrial goods, building materials, or consumer packaged goods.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP MM/PP or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate-to-advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS / ASCM Certifications (CPIM or CSCP).
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing frameworks (Six Sigma, Kaizen, Kanban).

Benefits

• Medical insurance options, including affordable dental and vision plans for employees and their families.
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• Matching 401(k) plan with a 4% match.
• Vacation, sick leave, and holiday benefits.