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Material Planning Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Specialist, Material Planner Job Code: MLP3 Job Location: Huntsville, AL Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

The job is further responsible for timely planning inventory control of material as assigned, and performing the following duties under minimal supervision, independent decision making in company ...

The job is further responsible for timely planning inventory control of material as assigned, and performing the following duties under minimal supervision, independent decision making in company ...

Director, Materials & Logistics

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead production planning, material planning, inventory control, warehouse operations, receiving, shipping, line replenishment, and internal logistics functions. * Ensure material availability ...

Director, Materials & Logistics

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead production planning, material planning, inventory control, warehouse operations, receiving, shipping, line replenishment, and internal logistics functions. * Ensure material availability ...

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Material Planning information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$38.4K

$86.8K

$143.4K

How much do material planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for material planning in Decatur, AL is $86,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,900.00 and $105,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by material planners and how can they be managed effectively?

Material Planners often face challenges such as supply chain disruptions, inaccurate inventory data, and sudden changes in production schedules. Managing these issues effectively requires strong communication with suppliers, real-time inventory tracking, and close collaboration with production and procurement teams. Utilizing advanced planning software and proactive problem-solving skills can help anticipate shortages or delays, ensuring production runs smoothly and customer demands are met.

Do you need a degree to be a material planner?

A degree is not always required to become a material planner, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, or a related field. Relevant skills such as inventory management, ERP software proficiency, and analytical abilities are also important for the role.

What does a material planning do?

A material planner is responsible for ensuring the availability of materials needed for production by analyzing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and coordinating with suppliers. They use tools like ERP systems to schedule and track material flow, helping to optimize inventory and reduce delays. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Material Planning vs Production Planning?

AspectMaterial PlanningProduction Planning
Primary FocusManaging raw materials and inventory levelsScheduling and coordinating manufacturing processes
Skills & CertificationsInventory management, ERP systems, supply chain knowledgeManufacturing processes, scheduling, resource allocation
Work EnvironmentSupply chain, procurement, warehouse settingsManufacturing plants, production floors
Industry UsageManufacturing, logistics, supply chain managementManufacturing, production departments

Material Planning focuses on ensuring the right materials are available for production, while Production Planning involves scheduling and coordinating the manufacturing process itself. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is material planning?

Material planning is the process of determining the materials and components required for manufacturing or production, and ensuring they are available at the right time and in the right quantities. This role involves forecasting demand, managing inventory levels, and coordinating with suppliers to prevent shortages or overstock situations. Effective material planning helps organizations optimize production schedules, reduce costs, and improve supply chain efficiency.

How much does a material planning earn?

A material planner's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or supply chain environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material planner?

To thrive as a Material Planner, you need a strong background in supply chain management, inventory control, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in business, logistics, or a related field. Experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle and certifications such as APICS CPIM are commonly required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate across departments and respond quickly to changing demands. These skills ensure optimal material availability, minimize production delays, and support efficient operations.
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Material Planning jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Material Planning job openings:
Infographic showing various Material Planning job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,768 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Specialist, Material Management

L3HHCM20

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

ย 

Job Title: Specialist, Material Planner

Job Code: MLP3

Job Location: Huntsville, AL

Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Job Description:


L3Harris Technologies is seeking a Material Planner to join our defense tech manufacturing facility. This critical role will assist in standing up our new production lines and transitioning our material control infrastructure into a fully integrated Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in defense procurement protocols and advanced material control methodologies. You will directly shape our end-to-end supply chain architecture, ensuring zero-defect compliance while optimizing material flow for initial production runs.

Essential Functions

  • Material Requisition Management: Generate, review, and authorize material requisitions within the MRP system based on master production schedules, engineering changes, and inventory thresholds to ensure uninterrupted supply.
  • Materials Process Creation: Author, establish, and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the plant's foundational material control processes, including receiving, material handling, material delivery, and kitting workflows.
  • MRP Implementation & Data Integrity: Partner with Supply Chain and IT teams to map Bills of Materials (BOM), audit inventory master data, and establish time-phased planning parameters during system implementation.
  • Production Stand-Up Coordination: Translate engineering drawings, prototypes, and initial blueprints into actionable contractor-furnished material requirements to ensure seamless production lines kickoff.
  • Work Order Management: Generate, release, and manage production work orders within the MRP system to align with the master manufacturing schedule.
  • Material Issuance & Tracking: Oversee the accurate issuance, tracking, and staging of materials from inventory to the production floor, maintaining strict chain of custody.
  • Inventory Control & Cycle Counting: Establish and execute a robust cycle count program to identify variances, reconcile data discrepancies, and drive toward a 98%+ inventory accuracy target.
  • Program Allocation & Reporting: Monitor and control material allocations dedicated to specific defense contracts, ensuring materials are correctly charged to appropriate program codes and generating status reports.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience: Proven experience in material planning, inventory control, or supply chain management within a defense or aerospace manufacturing environment.
  • Systems: Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and automated inventory management tools.
  • Compliance: Familiarity with defense procurement protocols, government property management regulations, and strict quality compliance standards.
  • Skills: Ability to interpret engineering blueprints, schematics, and Bills of Materials (BOM).