Sr. Material Planner

The Sr. Buyer/ Planner/ Analyst is a strategic and operational leader responsible for the end-to-end materials management function at the Avilla, IN facility. This role owns the planning, procurement coordination, logistics, shipping, and receiving processes — ensuring that production schedules are consistently met while optimizing inventory levels, supplier performance, and total supply chain cost.The ideal candidate is an experienced supply chain professional with deep expertise in MRP/ERP-driven environments, a data-driven mindset, and a proven track record of cross-functional collaboration. This individual will serve as the critical link between customer demand signals, supplier capabilities, and production execution.Key Duties & ResponsibilitiesSupply Chain Planning & SchedulingLead MRP execution — manage net requirements, release work orders and purchase requisitions, and drive schedule attainment across all production linesDevelop and maintain master production schedules (MPS) — balancing customer demand, capacity constraints, and material availabilityConduct capacity planning and utilization analysis — identify bottlenecks and recommend corrective actions in collaboration with operations leadershipMonitor and manage key planning KPIs — including schedule adherence, inventory turns, days on hand, and fill rateLead SIOP participation — provide materials and supply chain input to the Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning processOwn supplier performance management — including OTD, quality metrics, and total landed cost optimizationManage international and domestic supplier relationships — with expertise in global logistics, Incoterms, import/export compliance, and customs documentationManage Tier level pricing usage for Purchase Price Variance (PPV) — in alignment with annual cost-down targetsPartner with procurement and commodity management teams — to support contract negotiations and strategic sourcing initiativesInventory & Cost OptimizationOptimize inventory levels — managing/executing min/max, safety stock, and reorder point strategies to reduce carrying cost without risking line stoppagesLead physical inventory and cycle count programs — ensuring ERP inventory accuracy at or above 98%Analyze and report on excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory — driving disposition and write-off reductionSupport working capital improvement goals — by reducing lead times, improving forecast accuracy, and tightening supplier delivery windowsLogistics & OperationsOversee inbound and outbound freight management — of orders for freight cost optimizationManage customs, compliance, and international freight documentation — for cross-border shipmentsMaintain data integrity across ERP systems — including BOMs, routings, lead times, and supplier master data, escalated corrections to corporateDrive continuous improvement initiatives — in warehouse layout, dock utilization, and receiving processesCross-Functional LeadershipServe as the primary supply chain liaison to the plant manager and operations team — translating customer requirements into executable production plansPartner with engineering and quality teams — on new product introduction (NPI) material readiness and engineering change managementPresent supply chain metrics and risk summaries — to plant and senior leadership on a regular cadenceLead root cause analysis and corrective action — for material shortages, supplier disruptions, and logistics failuresRequired Qualifications5+ years of materials planning, supply chain, or operations experience — in a manufacturing environmentDemonstrated proficiency in ERP systems — SAP, Oracle, or similar — including MRP execution, inventory management, and reportingAdvanced Microsoft Excel skills — including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysisExperience managing international supplier relationships — with working knowledge of global logistics, Incoterms, and import/export complianceProven ability to lead cross-functional projects — and influence without direct authorityStrong analytical and problem-solving skills — with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendationsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills — with demonstrated ability to present to leadership audiencesPreferred QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related technical fieldAPICS CPIM or CSCP certification — strongly preferred; candidates actively pursuing certification will be consideredLean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training desired — with hands-on project experienceExperience in a high-mix, low-volume or custom manufacturing environmentKnowledge of automotive or industrial supply chain standards — (e.g., IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements)Familiarity with demand planning tools or advanced planning systems (APS)J-18808-Ljbffr