Materials Planner

Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

About the role

The Materials Planner is responsible for managing material planning and procurement activities within an MRP environment to optimize inventory levels and ensure supply continuity. This role involves tracking and analyzing supply chain performance metrics, generating purchase requisitions, managing stock levels across plants, and maintaining master data accuracy. The ideal candidate brings strong supply chain expertise, experience with statistical planning tools, and the ability to collaborate effectively across business functions in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Track and analyze key supply chain performance metrics including fill rates, inventory positions, and supplier performance to identify trends and optimize operational efficiencies.
• Proactively analyze demand fluctuations and generate comprehensive management reports, providing actionable recommendations for strategic inventory adjustments.
• Implement and refine inventory classification methodologies (e.g., ABC/XYZ) and safety stock strategies to align inventory positions with defined KPIs.
• Foster effective collaboration and maintain clear communication with Sales & Materials Flow analysts, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless alignment and execution.
• Lead and manage assigned projects and initiatives, demonstrating strong project management skills and driving successful outcomes.
• Generate purchase requisitions to suppliers utilizing the current MRP system.
• Manage finished goods and/or component stock levels by expediting or cancelling orders upon confirmation of customer demand; for shared parts between plants, create the necessary STO to move parts to prevent shortages and utilize inventory.
• Maintain plant and annual order requirements, three-year plans, and monthly forecasts as applicable.
• Manage PIR, Source Lists, and Master Data, ensuring current parts have correct settings, running changes are put into USE-UP, and obsolete parts are updated.
• Analyze PORs, POs, SPOs, and STOs to ensure they are current and make necessary changes to those that are no longer valid.
• Manage the EOP/SOP process to ensure parts are ordered in a timely manner for SOP and minimize orders of EOP to lessen deadstock.
• Coordinate special projects as assigned by management.
• Develop IATF procedures or work instructions as they relate to the job function.
• Perform general housekeeping duties.
• Overtime and/or travel as required.
• Complete other duties as assigned or requested by Niterra Japan, if applicable.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures which include IATF, ISO, ISMS, TISAX, QMS, J-Sox, and Safety related policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Logistics, or a related field required; in lieu of a degree, 5 years of progressive experience is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in material planning and procurement in an MRP environment.
• Working knowledge of Supply Chain best practices.
• Proven ability to apply statistical planning tools for inventory modeling.
• Comprehensive experience with inventory classifications and settings to optimize inventory levels.
• Exceptional communication skills, enabling effective collaboration across business functions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Proficiency with an ERP system; SAP strongly preferred.
• APICS certification (CSCP, CPIM) or equivalent a plus.
• Experience with S&OP processes a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Able to see and hear (correctable).
• Able to communicate verbally.
• Able to use a computer keyboard.
• Able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Able to drive a company vehicle.

Potential Hazards

• Normal office hazards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• And much more!