Job Purpose
The Material Planning Specialist is responsible for managing material planning activities to ensure the timely availability of raw materials, components, and consumables required for production. The role involves reviewing demand forecasts, monitoring inventory levels, coordinating with procurement and production teams, maintaining accurate planning data, and identifying potential material supply risks.
Key Responsibilities
Material Planning
- Execute material planning activities according to established procedures and departmental requirements.
- Review material requirements using demand forecasts, production schedules, inventory information, and operational plans.
- Analyze material availability and identify potential shortages or supply gaps.
- Prepare and submit material requisitions to the procurement team within required timelines.
- Maintain accurate material planning information and update records when requirements change.
Inventory Management
- Monitor inventory levels for raw materials, components, and consumables to prevent shortages or excessive stock.
- Coordinate with warehouse teams to verify inventory records and resolve stock discrepancies.
- Review material consumption and usage patterns to support effective inventory planning.
- Recommend inventory adjustments based on demand trends, consumption rates, and supplier lead times.
Stakeholder Coordination
- Coordinate with procurement teams to monitor purchase orders and supplier delivery schedules.
- Work closely with production planning teams to align material availability with manufacturing requirements.
- Liaise with sales, logistics, warehouse, and quality teams to support uninterrupted material flow.
- Communicate material-related issues and delivery risks to relevant stakeholders.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
- Track key performance indicators related to material availability, inventory accuracy, and fulfillment.
- Prepare regular material planning reports and provide updates to the Section Manager or Manager.
- Monitor planning performance and identify deviations from approved schedules.
- Recommend corrective actions to improve material planning accuracy and operational efficiency.
Risk Management
- Identify potential material supply risks, including supplier delays, shortages, demand changes, and inaccurate forecasts.
- Assess the potential impact of material shortages on production schedules.
- Recommend suitable mitigation measures, such as safety-stock adjustments, revised planning parameters, or alternative sourcing options.
- Escalate critical material risks to management when required.
Role Responsibilities
Delivery and Performance
- Complete planned activities according to operational and development schedules.
- Use available resources efficiently while maintaining cost and time objectives.
- Prepare periodic reports highlighting planned activities, execution status, and significant deviations.
Problem Solving
- Investigate material planning and supply-related issues and implement appropriate solutions.
- Escalate complex operational problems to the relevant management team.
Quality
- Follow applicable quality requirements, product specifications, and process standards.
- Support effective quality-control practices related to material planning and handling.
Process Improvement
- Follow documented systems, policies, procedures, and work instructions.
- Identify opportunities to improve material planning processes through automation, data analysis, and process optimization.
Compliance
- Comply with company policies, procedures, and approved work instructions.
Health, Safety & Environment
- Follow applicable health, safety, quality, and environmental procedures and controls.
- Ensure material planning and related activities are performed in accordance with applicable workplace and regulatory requirements.
Academic Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- Additional training or knowledge in materials planning, supply chain management, inventory control, or procurement can be beneficial.
Work Experience
- 2 to 4 years of relevant professional experience in material planning, inventory management, supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, or a related field.
Technical & Functional Skills
- Materials Flow Analysis
- Materials Handling
- Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Inventory Monitoring
- Demand and Supply Planning
- Procurement Coordination
- Production Planning Coordination
- Supplier Delivery Monitoring
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Problem Solving
- Risk Identification and Mitigation
- Microsoft Office and planning systems
- Communication and stakeholder coordination
- Attention to detail