Production Material Planner

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist that develops and produces sustainable, safe, and convenient solutions for automotive manufacturers as well as industrial and end customers worldwide. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets. ContiTech, a group sector of Continental, offers connected, environment-friendly, safe, and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector, and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some €6.4 billion (2024), ContiTech is a global industrial partner active in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

About the role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Production Material Planner to join our operations team in Halstead, United States. In this role, you will manage material flow, coordinate production schedules, and optimize inventory levels to ensure seamless manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with production, procurement, and supply chain teams to forecast demand, plan material requirements, and maintain efficient production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate material plans and production schedules based on demand forecasts and production capacity
• Analyze historical data and market trends to forecast material requirements and optimize inventory levels
• Coordinate with procurement teams to ensure timely material availability while minimizing excess inventory
• Monitor production schedules and adjust material plans to accommodate changes in demand or supply constraints
• Utilize ERP and MRP systems to track material movements, update inventory records, and generate planning reports
• Identify and resolve supply chain bottlenecks and material shortages to prevent production delays
• Collaborate with production supervisors to understand lead times, production cycles, and material specifications
• Prepare and present regular reports on inventory metrics, forecast accuracy, and material planning performance
• Maintain organized documentation of material plans, supplier information, and production schedules
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning accuracy and operational efficiency

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• 2–3 years of experience in material planning, production planning, inventory management, procurement, or supply chain operations preferred
• Proficiency with ERP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms) and MRP software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting
• Solid understanding of production processes, lead times, and inventory management principles
• Experience with demand forecasting and inventory optimization techniques
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate effectively across departments
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in planning and data management
• Legal authorization to work in the United States is required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field
• Proficiency with SAP
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with supply chain coordination and procurement processes
• Experience with forecasting tools or demand planning software

Benefits

• Immediate benefits
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Employee discounts
• Competitive bonus programs
• 401k match
• Employee assistance program
• Future growth opportunities, including personal and professional development