Material Planning Manager

Job Purpose

Oversee the operation and daily activities of the Material Planning department including establishing and adhering to objectives based on corporate inventory metrics and sales projections. Manage all aspects of material planning to efficiently and cost-effectively support organizational operations. Lead and develop team for growth, working cross-functionally with internal and external customers to ensure the delivery of material planning and company goals.

Essential Functions

• Develop, lead, and execute material planning strategies for the business
• Direct material planning policies to ensure all items are purchased and delivered within budget and time constraints
• Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness
• Manage, develop, and motivate Material Planning team
• Lead and assist team in assessing, managing, and mitigating risk within material planning
• Establish standard operating procedures for material planning and monitor their effectiveness; revise and improve processes as needed
• Monitor supplier compliance with contractual agreements as needed, partnering with Sourcing
• Measure and manage supplier cost, quality, and delivery performance
• Work with Sourcing and Corporate Quality to oversee and improve vendor performance
• Empower team to investigate issues, find root cause, and develop solutions
• Communicate issues and opportunities impacting internal and external customers to leadership as needed
• Assist with other supply chain analysis and initiatives as required
• Support food safety program, quality standards, and legality of manufactured products
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)

• Bachelor's degree in a supply chain related discipline and/or 7 equivalent years of experience
• APICS affiliation/certification
• Strong demonstrated leadership capability with proven team development experience
• 5+ years of food manufacturing experience
• 10+ years in a purchasing or material planning role using MRP
• Experience with commodity-sensitive businesses preferred
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel; experience with ERP Systems (Microsoft Great Plains, SAP preferred)
• Experience with manufacturing modules including MRP, MPS, and WMS
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with multi-level personnel as well as suppliers, customers, and their representatives
• Ability to work cross-functionally, convey complex issues, and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to think quickly and handle frequent change, as well as help others navigate change
• Self-motivated, goal oriented, quality driven, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision

Note: Applications will be accepted until April 19, 2024.