Materials Planner

Materials PlannerACE Controls, Inc. - A Stabilus CompanyStabilus is a global leader in the production of gas springs and dampers on five continents. This position will be located at ACE Controls, Inc., a Stabilus company, located in Farmington Hills, MI. ACE is the internationally recognized expert in industrial damping technology, offering solutions in automation control, motion control, vibration control, and safety products.Job SummaryThe Materials Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating materials to support manufacturing operations and customer demand. This role ensures timely availability of components and raw materials through effective use of MRP, Kanban systems, and production scheduling. The Materials Planner analyzes demand signals, manages inventory levels, resolves material shortages, and works cross-functionally to improve lead times, on-time delivery, and overall material flow. The position also supports supplier coordination, cost control initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.Essential Job FunctionsReceives incoming customer releases and demand signals and converts them into executable material and production plansGenerates and maintains production schedules to meet customer delivery requirementsPerforms rough-cut capacity planning, including production rates, labor requirements, and equipment utilizationMonitors production schedules and material availability, making adjustments to optimize labor, materials, and machine usageAnalyzes MRP outputs and resolves shortages, expedites material, and identifies root causes of supply disruptionsPlans, calculates, and continuously improves Kanban parameters to support consistent material flow and improved on-time deliveryCoordinates with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve lead times, delivery performance, and material availabilitySupports purchasing activities by providing planning inputs for raw material and component procurementReviews and supports planning of MRO materials to ensure uninterrupted plant operationsIdentifies excess and obsolete inventory and supports actions to reduce inventory exposureAssists in maintaining inventory accuracy through system analysis, cycle count support, and process improvementsSupports cost-reduction initiatives related to inventory, material usage, and planning efficiencyActively participates in activities conforming to ISO 9000 standards and contributes to Continuous Improvement initiativesEducation, Training, CertificationsBachelor's degree preferred - Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related discipline ExperienceMinimum of 2-3 years of experience in materials planning, production planning, or supply chain analytics in a manufacturing environmentExperience with ERP/MRP systems; QAD experience strongly desired3-5 years of experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferredStrong understanding of:MRP logic and planning parametersProduction scheduling and order policiesBill of material (BOM) structuresInventory management and multi-plant planningExperience with indirect materials (MRO) planning is a plusStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detailStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functional areasStrong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel Job Knowledge and SkillsTeam-oriented with a willingness to be a go-to resourceSelf-motivated and proactiveStrong communication skills and cross-functional collaboration abilityContinuous improvement mindset with an optimistic attitudeComfortable managing multiple priorities and taking ownership from start to finishConfident, organized, and capable of working independently and within a team environment Working ConditionsNormal office environment with regular interaction on the manufacturing floorClimate-controlled manufacturing facility with machining, assembly lines, and assembly cellsExposure to oils, greases, and coolants used in manufacturing processes AccountabilityResponsible for adhering to all ACE Controls, Inc. procedures, technical guidelines, and customer requirementsAccountable for maintaining accurate material plans that support production, delivery, and inventory targets Physical RequirementsAbility to talk and hear frequentlyFrequent standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands for handling materials and equipmentOccasional lifting of materials and supplies up to 30 poundsOther Duties