Planner Associate - Materials

The Planner Associate, Materials supports material planning and supply execution to ensure the timely availability of materials required for manufacturing operations. The position coordinates material requirements, inventory levels, purchase and delivery schedules, and potential supply constraints while working closely with Production, Purchasing, Warehouse, Manufacturing and other Supply Chain stakeholders.

The role is responsible for maintaining material availability while balancing inventory requirements and supporting continuous production operations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics,Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in materials planning, production planning, supply chain, logistics, inventory management or manufacturing operations preferred.
• Semiconductor, electronics or high-volume manufacturing experience would be an advantage.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Good understanding of material planning, inventory control and supply-chain processes.
• Ability to interpret production demand and translate requirements into material plans.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Good Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Manufacturing, Procurement, Warehouse and other Supply Chain teams.
• Strong sense of urgency when managing production-critical material shortages.
• Able to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Material Requirements Planning
• Inventory Management
• Supply Planning
• Production Support
• Data Analysis
• Problem Solving
• Planning & Prioritization
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement
• Attention to Detail

Material Planning & Supply Management

• Plan and monitor material requirements based on production demand, inventory position and operational requirements.
• Ensure required materials are available to support production schedules and manufacturing priorities.
• Review material availability and identify potential shortages, excess inventory or supply constraints.
• Follow up on material deliveries and expedite critical materials when required.
• Coordinate material priorities based on changes in production requirements.
• Monitor open material requirements and highlight potential delivery risks.

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels to maintain appropriate material availability while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Review inventory movement, material consumption and outstanding supply requirements.
• Support inventory optimization and material rationalization initiatives.
• Investigate material discrepancies and coordinate appropriate corrective actions with relevant stakeholders.
• Support cycle-counting and inventory accuracy activities as required.

Production & Operational Support

• Work closely with Production Planning and Manufacturing teams to understand material requirements and production priorities.
• Respond promptly to material shortages or changes that could affect manufacturing schedules.
• Coordinate with Warehouse and Receiving teams on incoming materials and material availability.
• Support recovery plans for critical material shortages.

Supplier & Purchasing Coordination

• Collaborate with Purchasing and Procurement teams regarding delivery schedules and material requirements.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance against production needs.
• Highlight potential supplier or delivery risks that may impact production.
• Support material prioritization and escalation when supply constraints arise.

Planning Systems & Data Management

• Maintain accurate material-planning information in applicable ERP or planning systems.
• Monitor material requirements, inventory balances, delivery schedules and planning parameters.
• Prepare regular reports relating to material availability, shortages, inventory and delivery performance.
• Ensure material-planning data is accurate and updated to support operational decision-making.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve material-planning processes, inventory utilization and supply reliability.
• Participate in continuous improvement and cross-functional initiatives.
• Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions relating to material shortages or inventory issues.
• Assist in developing more efficient planning and material-control processes.