MATERIAL PLANNER

Job Summary

The Material Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and monitoring the availability of raw materials, packaging materials, and production supplies to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations. The role ensures that materials are available at the right quantity, quality, and time while maintaining optimal inventory levels and minimizing excess stock. The position is best suited for a Mechanical Engineering graduate with strong analytical and planning skills.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Licensed Mechanical Engineer is an advantage but not required).
• Fresh graduates are welcome to apply; experience in manufacturing, production planning, or supply chain is an advantage.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and monitor material requirements based on production schedules and sales forecasts.
• Plan and maintain optimal inventory levels of raw materials, packaging materials, and production supplies.
• Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure timely procurement of required materials.
• Work closely with Production, Warehouse, QA, and Logistics to ensure smooth material flow.
• Monitor stock levels and identify shortages or excess inventory.
• Analyze material consumption trends and recommend improvements.
• Prepare material requirement plans (MRP) and inventory reports.
• Ensure accuracy of inventory records through regular reconciliation with Warehouse.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and coordinate any delayed deliveries.
• Assist in production scheduling to maximize machine utilization and material availability.
• Recommend cost-saving initiatives related to inventory management and material usage.
• Participate in inventory counts, audits, and cycle counting activities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and food safety requirements.
• Perform other planning and supply chain-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Knowledge of inventory management and production planning principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, charts).
• Knowledge of ERP or MRP systems is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Skills and Competencies

• Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
• Inventory Management
• Production Planning
• Demand Forecasting
• Data Analysis
• Cost Optimization
• Supply Chain Coordination
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Microsoft Excel
• ERP System Knowledge
• Continuous Improvement
• Teamwork

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPITargetMaterial availability for production100%Stock-out incidentsZeroInventory accuracy≥99%Production interruptions due to material shortageZeroInventory turnoverWithin company targetExcess or obsolete inventoryMinimizedPurchase request lead timeWithin approved timelineForecast accuracy≥95%Supplier on-time delivery coordination≥95%Material planning report submission100% on timeCost savings from inventory optimizationAchieve annual targetCycle count accuracy≥99%

Working Conditions

• Office-based with regular visits to the production floor and warehouse.
• Frequent coordination with Production, Purchasing, Warehouse, QA, Logistics, and Suppliers.
• May be required to work overtime during peak production periods or month-end inventory.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a food manufacturing or FMCG company is an advantage.
• Familiarity with production planning, preventive maintenance coordination, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Continuous Improvement methodologies is a plus.