Material Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of supply chain management, the role of a material planner has never been more critical.

As industries evolve, the demand for proficient professionals who can oversee, enhance, and protect our material planning processes grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a material planner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of material planning,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable material planner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Material Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Material Planners are responsible for managing the supply of materials in a company to ensure the smooth running of production operations.

They also handle tasks related to procurement, inventory, and material management.

The primary duties and responsibilities of a Material Planner include:

• Evaluating and forecasting material requirements using software systems
• Coordinating with production and purchasing teams to ensure adequate supply of materials
• Developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials
• Assessing supplier performance in terms of quality, cost, and timeliness of delivery
• Resolving issues related to supply chain, including delays, discrepancies in inventory, or problems with suppliers
• Maintaining accurate record of inventory and ensuring that it aligns with physical stock
• Implementing strategies for inventory management to prevent shortages and excesses
• Conducting regular reviews of material demand and supply patterns to identify trends and make necessary adjustments
• Working closely with cross-functional teams for product development and production planning

 

Material Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Material Planner to manage and optimize our materials supply chain.

The Material Planner will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and managing materials for production.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, excellent time management abilities, and a deep understanding of material requirement planning.

 

Responsibilities

• Monitor and forecast upcoming levels of demand for services and products
• Analyze material requirements for requisitions
• Create and implement supply chain plans
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to meet production schedule
• Coordinate with the production and purchasing departments to ensure timely delivery of materials
• Manage material flow to ensure inventory is maintained to the optimum level to support production requirements
• Resolve supply chain-related issues in a timely manner
• Prepare and present detailed reports on material and inventory management
• Follow up with suppliers to ensure on-time deliveries and resolve any supply issues promptly

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Material Planner, Supply Chain Analyst, or similar role
• Strong knowledge of supply chain and inventory management systems
• Understanding of material requirements planning (MRP)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• BSc degree in Logistics, Business Administration, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Material Planner
• Work Environment: This role typically works in an office environment and may require occasional visits to production sites.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Supply Chain Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Material Planner Do?

Material Planners work within various industries including manufacturing, construction, and logistics.

They play a critical role in managing the materials and inventory required for a project or production process.

Their main tasks include planning, scheduling, and coordinating the efficient movement of materials.

They do this by developing and maintaining detailed production and delivery schedules to ensure that materials are available when needed.

Material Planners work closely with production teams, suppliers, and procurement specialists to track inventory levels and forecast future needs.

They also manage relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.

They are responsible for identifying and addressing any potential shortages or delays in the supply chain, and they often need to find solutions to avoid any disruptions to production.

Additionally, Material Planners monitor and report on key performance indicators such as delivery times, inventory levels, and production rates, to help improve efficiency and reduce costs.

In many cases, Material Planners use software systems to automate and streamline their work.

These systems can help track inventory, generate forecasts, and create reports.

 

Material Planner Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Material Planner should have the skills and qualifications that align with the demands of supply chain management, such as:

• Strong analytical skills to assess and interpret complex supply chain data, identify trends, and make sound predictions.
• Proficiency in utilizing material requirements planning (MRP) systems and other related computer-based tools to manage inventory, order materials, and schedule production.
• Excellent negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers and vendors to secure the best prices and delivery times.
• Outstanding attention to detail and organizational skills for managing multiple materials, orders, and schedules simultaneously.
• Problem-solving abilities to quickly identify and address any issues that arise with supply chains, deliveries or quality of materials.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with other departments, such as procurement, production, and logistics, and to keep all stakeholders informed of material statuses.
• Knowledge of production processes, materials, and quality control principles.
• Understanding of procurement procedures and contract management.

 

Material Planner Experience Requirements

Material planners typically begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.

Entry-level material planner roles may require 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field such as inventory management or procurement.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles in logistics, supply chain, or inventory management departments.

Material planners often start in positions such as Inventory Analyst, Logistics Coordinator, or Procurement Specialist to gain relevant expertise.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience in the field have usually had the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of supply chain management, materials requirement planning (MRP) systems, and procurement.

They may have also gained experience in negotiating with suppliers, forecasting demand, and managing inventory levels.

Those with over 5 years of experience in material planning are often seasoned professionals who have demonstrated their ability to strategize, plan, and execute procurement and inventory management plans.

They may have some leadership experience and are often well-prepared for roles that require managing a team of material planners.

 

Material Planner Education and Training Requirements

Material Planners typically have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, logistics, or a related field.

A strong understanding of inventory management, procurement processes, and material resources planning is essential.

Some positions may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration or supply chain management.

Material Planners often need experience with software like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.

Certifications such as Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from the Association for Supply Chain Management may be advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to the profession.

Continuing education and training to stay updated on industry trends and advancements in technology are also important for Material Planners.

 

Material Planner Salary Expectations

A Material Planner earns an average of $61,537 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may fluctuate based on factors such as experience, education, geographical location, and the specific industry of employment.

 

Material Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a material planner need?

Material Planners should have strong analytical skills to evaluate complex data regarding supply chain logistics.

They should have excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.

They also need good communication and negotiation skills to liaise with suppliers and maintain good relationships.

 

Do material planners need a degree?

A bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, supply chain management or a related field is generally required for a material planner position.

However, some companies might accept relevant work experience in lieu of a degree.

In addition, certification from an organization like the Association for Supply Chain Management can also be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in a material planner resume?

When reviewing a material planner’s resume, look for a strong background in supply chain management or logistics.

Experience with inventory management software, data analysis, and forecasting methods is highly desirable.

Additionally, evidence of strong negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making skills is beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good material planner?

A good material planner is detail-oriented and has the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

They are strategic thinkers who can anticipate potential supply chain disruptions and develop contingency plans.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are also important, as they regularly interact with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams.

 

What are the daily duties of a material planner?

A material planner typically starts their day by reviewing inventory levels and production schedules.

They spend a good portion of their day liaising with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials.

They also spend time analyzing supply chain data to identify potential issues and implementing solutions.

Regular meetings with internal teams like production and sales may also be part of their daily routine.

 

Is it difficult to hire material planners?

Hiring a material planner can be challenging due to the specialized skills and knowledge required for the role.

It’s vital to look for candidates with a strong understanding of supply chain management, forecasting, and data analysis.

Offering competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement can help attract and retain talented material planners.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek into the dynamic world of a material planner.

Surprised?

It’s not just about procurement and inventory management.

It’s about orchestrating the flow of materials, all the way from procurement to production.

Armed with our handy material planner job description template and real-life examples, you’re now ready to step up your game.

But why put a limit on your potential?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting meticulous job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every item of material is a cog in the grand machine of production.

Let’s fuel that machine. Together.

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