Materials Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of production and logistics, the role of a materials planner is of paramount importance.

As industry advances, the demand for skilled individuals who can efficiently manage and coordinate materials for manufacturing operations grows.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of materials planning,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Materials Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Materials Planners are involved in planning, scheduling, and managing the efficient movement of materials in a production process.

They are responsible for determining the materials needed for production, their quantities, and delivery timelines.

Materials Planners have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and execute materials planning and delivery schedules
• Work closely with the production team to understand materials needs and timelines
• Monitor and forecast upcoming levels of demand for services and products
• Review and update inventory levels and production schedules
• Ensure supply of materials meet production requirements with minimum stock levels
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials
• Analyze and assess demand and supply trends to prevent delays in production
• Monitor and manage inventory levels and movements
• Resolve issues regarding shipped materials, coordinating with suppliers and transportation companies
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Implement and monitor performance metrics for measuring supply chain efficiency

 

Materials Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Materials Planner to ensure the smooth and cost-efficient flow of our production operations.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating and expediting the flow of work and materials within or between departments according to production schedule.

Responsibilities will include planning and prioritizing operations to ensure maximum performance and minimum delay, determining and managing inventory requirements, and liaising with vendors to ensure timely deliveries.

 

Responsibilities

• Determine supply needs through technical details and schedules
• Monitor jobs to ensure they will finish on time and within budget
• Address issues when they arise aiming for minimum disruption
• Obtain and review supplier and delivery schedules
• Manage material with regards to changes, shortages, and surplus
• Develop and implement effective communication and coordination with production department
• Analyze and adjust inventory levels to improve product availability and minimize holding costs
• Perform inventory audits to ensure accuracy

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a materials planner
• A background in production planning
• Experience in MRP (Manufacturing resource planning)
• Working knowledge of MS Office and ERP systems
• Good at math and statistics
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication abilities
• BSc/BA in logistics, business administration or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Materials Planner
• Work Environment: This role typically operates in an office setting within a manufacturing or warehouse environment. Some travel may be required to visit suppliers or manufacturers.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Supply Chain Manager or Materials Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $58,000 minimum to $75,000 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 Materials Planner Do?

Materials Planners typically work for manufacturing companies in various industries.

They are crucial to the supply chain management and logistics departments of these organizations.

They are responsible for ensuring the materials required for production are available when they are needed.

This involves coordinating and planning for the purchase of raw materials, parts, and supplies.

Materials Planners also collaborate with production managers to forecast the need for materials based on production schedules, and they work with vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials.

In addition, they maintain detailed records of inventory levels and coordinate with the warehouse to ensure optimal storage and stock.

They are often tasked with analyzing material costs, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and making purchasing recommendations.

Materials Planners also handle any issues related to materials, such as delays in delivery or defective materials, and they devise strategies to mitigate any potential impact on the production process.

Overall, the role of a Materials Planner is crucial in ensuring the smooth flow of materials within the production chain, supporting the organization’s efficiency and profitability.

 

Materials Planner Qualifications and Skills

Materials Planners use a variety of technical skills, analytical abilities and industry knowledge to ensure a steady flow of materials for production, including:

• Excellent organizational skills to manage and oversee inventory levels, ensuring there are adequate materials for production.
• Strong analytical skills to predict future material needs based on historical data, sales forecasts, and production schedules.
• Effective communication skills to liaise with suppliers, negotiate contracts and prices, and to coordinate with internal departments such as production, purchasing, and logistics.
• Advanced problem-solving skills to quickly identify and resolve any issues related to materials shortages, supply chain disruptions, or changes in production schedules.
• Detail-oriented nature to track and manage numerous types of materials, each with unique specifications and lead times.
• Technical abilities to utilize materials planning software and related technology effectively.
• Understanding of supply chain management and procurement processes to ensure efficient and cost-effective acquisition of materials.

 

Materials Planner Experience Requirements

Entry-level Materials Planners generally require at least 1 to 2 years of experience, which can be gained through internships or part-time roles in supply chain, logistics, or related fields.

They may also gain experience in roles such as Inventory Clerk, Logistics Coordinator, or Procurement Assistant, which provide a hands-on understanding of the materials planning process.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are usually more adept in materials planning and have a thorough understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, and procurement strategies.

They have typically developed their skills in roles such as Junior Materials Planner or Supply Chain Analyst.

Those with over 5 years of experience are generally considered for senior or managerial roles in materials planning.

They often have a proven track record of managing complex supply chains and maintaining efficient inventory levels.

This level of experience usually comes with a background in leading teams, strategic planning, and negotiating with suppliers.

 

Materials Planner Education and Training Requirements

Materials Planners typically require a bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.

They need to have a strong understanding of inventory management, production planning, and procurement processes.

Knowledge of various planning systems and tools like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is crucial in this role.

Some roles may require Materials Planners to have a master’s degree in business administration or supply chain management, especially for senior or strategic planning positions.

Additional certification such as CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) from APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management) can be beneficial and may be required for certain roles.

This role also requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multiple teams.

Therefore, any additional training in these areas can be advantageous.

Continuing education to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in supply chain management and materials planning is a plus, demonstrating the candidate’s dedication to their professional development.

 

Materials Planner Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Materials Planner is around $58,563 (USD) per year.

However, this compensation may vary significantly depending on the individual’s level of experience, specific skills, location, and the company they work for.

 

Materials Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Materials Planner need?

Materials Planners should possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to manage the inventory effectively.

They need to have strong numerical and data analysis skills to forecast future supply and demand.

They should also have good communication and negotiation abilities for liaising with suppliers and other stakeholders.

Knowledge of supply chain management and relevant software tools is also essential.

 

Do Materials Planners need a degree?

Although not a mandatory requirement, most employers prefer Materials Planners who have a degree in business, supply chain management, logistics, or a related field.

Several years of experience in materials planning or a similar role is also typically required.

Relevant certifications like Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Materials Planner’s resume?

A Materials Planner’s resume should highlight experience in inventory management or production planning.

It should showcase their skills in data analysis, forecasting, and supply chain management.

Proficiency in relevant software tools such as ERP systems is also important.

Look for any additional certifications that demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

 

What qualities make a good Materials Planner?

A good Materials Planner is detail-oriented and can effectively manage multiple tasks at the same time.

They should be good at problem-solving and have the ability to analyze complex data sets.

Excellent interpersonal skills are also important as they often have to negotiate with suppliers and communicate with various departments within the organization.

They should be proactive, responsive, and able to work well under pressure.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Materials Planner?

Hiring a Materials Planner can be challenging due to the specific skills and experience required for the role.

It is important to find a candidate who not only has the necessary technical skills but also possesses the analytical ability to predict demand and supply trends.

They should be able to adapt to changes quickly and make decisions that align with the company’s goals and objectives.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of being a materials planner.

Surprised?

It’s not just about inventory management.

It’s about orchestrating the flow of materials that form the backbone of any manufacturing process.

Armed with our comprehensive materials planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to step up your game.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting meticulously detailed job listings or honing your resume to absolute precision.

Keep in mind:

Every material planned is a critical part of the production puzzle.

Let’s create that perfect workflow. Together.

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