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Material Planner

Job Details

Waukegan, IL
Waukegan, IL
$57252.80 - $85879.20 Hourly
1st Shift

Description

Material Planner

Role Summary

The Material Planner manages the flow of materials within the organization. This role works with Production Planner and Buyers to maintain inventory levels, ensure that materials are available to meet production demands, and minimize production delays.

Direct Reports

  • None

Position Responsibilities-Tasks-Deliverables

An individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

All duties as assigned and the following specific activities.

  • Acts as a liaison between Production Planners, Buyers, and Client Service Coordinators (CSC’s) to ensure timely receipt of all incoming materials, ensuring optimal inventory levels.
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment on material needs, production schedules, and overall goals.
  • Coordinate with Buyers and CSC’s to manage order change requests.
  • Maintain accuracy of all customer-owned inventory.
  • Monitor inventory levels and notify the Buyer to order supplies, as needed.
  • Addresses shortage reports by assessing onsite material availability to maintain the production schedule, while promptly informing the site-specific production planner of any shortages that could impact the production schedule.
  • Maintain production forecasts with inbound materials supplied by customers to ensure a steady influx of materials is delivered beyond the two-week production plan.
  • Ensure deliveries adhere to dock schedules, whether they are on time or missed, and take necessary actions to address any deviations.
  • Oversee the schedule to proactively swap units when raw materials are unavailable for specific orders, ensuring MMSA KPI targets are met.
  • Prepare regular reports on material availability and inventory levels.
  • Serve as a backup for the Production Planner, taking on production planning responsibilities during their absence.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement solutions to enhance material flow efficiency.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

On-going outcome that is measurable:

  • Monthly MMSA
  • Weekly schedule attainment
  • On time dock appointments are maintained
  • On time promise date

 

About Visual Pak

Established in 1982, The Visual Pak Companies is the premier destination for cutting-edge contract packaging and manufacturing solutions. As a privately held conglomerate, we specialize in delivering optimal Manufacturing, Design, Packaging, and Logistics Services for Consumer Goods, setting us apart as a leader in the industry.

At our core, we prioritize investing in our talented workforce, leveraging their expertise to drive our proven success and uphold our commitment to strategic excellence. With our ongoing growth trajectory and the need to meet emerging demands, we invite forward-thinking individuals to join our dynamic team and shape the future of manufacturing with us.

Why Join Visual Pak?

At Visual Pak, we are committed to supporting our employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package of traditional and lifestyle benefits. These programs are selected and designed to make a difference for the well-being of our employees and their families.

  • Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings – with Company match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Dependent Care Accounts (DCA) –Save pre-tax dollars on eligible medical expenses.
  • Dependent Care Subsidy –Extra financial support for your family’s dependent care needs.
  • Childcare & Elder Care Resources – Find trusted care options near you easily.
  • Tuition/Education Assistance – Invest in your growth with financial support for education and professional development.
  • Active & Fit Direct – Affordable access to thousands of gyms and fitness centers.
  • Geode Health – Mental health support tailored to your needs.
  • Commuter Benefits – Save on transit and parking expenses.
  • Health Advocate Services – Get expert help navigating healthcare and benefits.
  • Benefit Hub – Employee Perks and Discount Marketplace – Exclusive savings on shopping, travel, and more!
  • Pet Insurance – Coverage to keep your furry family members healthy.
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays – Recharge and enjoy your well-earned time away.
  • Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance -Disability income protection for long and short-term absences from work.

Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Visual Pak does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws.  All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.

Qualifications

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or related field.
  • Applicable equivalent progressive work experience in lieu of educational training.

Experience:

  • 2 years’ professional experience in material planning, inventory management, or supply chain management in a contract Manufacturing environment
  • Knowledge of manufacturing proc
  • Proficient in mining data and assembling useful reports for Management review.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately
  • Positive team player and effective communicator with all levels of management and cross-functional organizations
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Able to work well under pressure; able to recognize urgency
  • Self-motivated, focused, and results-oriented.
  • Team-centric with a service attitude
  • Confident to present information, offer conclusions, and advocate for proactive problem-solving options.

Technology/Software:

  • Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word) skills
  • Proficient, knowledgeable and comfortable working with an MRP system, including item and Bill of material maintenance, forecast maintenance, sales order maintenance and purchase orders

Communication:       

  • Communication skills in both English and Spanish (2nd Spanish preferred)
  • Outstanding written, oral, interpersonal, and outward behavior communication ability.
  • Proficiency for listening well.
  • Demonstrated talent for understanding your audience and how to communicate your message effectively to them.

 

Physical Capabilities

Strength: Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Movement: Regularly stands; walks; sits; uses hands to type, grasp/handle, or reach with hands and arms.  May need to stoop, kneel or crouch.

Hearing: Must be able to hear and understand work direction in a loud, distracting environment

Vision: Must be able to judge distance, identify details, and view computer screen regularly

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Travel:  N/A

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