Material Planner

Material Planner Department: Operations Reports To: Plant Manager Position Summary The Material Planner is responsible for forecasting material requirements, managing inventory, and coordinating procurement to ensure materials are available to support production. A key responsibility is managing maple syrup procurement by developing relationships with producers, planning seasonal supply, coordinating purchase commitments and deliveries, and ensuring sufficient syrup is secured to meet annual production requirements and customer demand. The Material Planner works closely with the plant manager, production, suppliers, warehouse and personnel, to maintain efficient operations and minimize supply disruptions. Essential Job Functions Maple Syrup Procurement and Producer Relations Develop and maintain strong relationships with maple syrup producers and suppliers to secure a reliable supply. Forecast annual syrup requirements based on production plans, historical usage, inventory levels, and customer demand. Coordinate with producers regarding syrup availability, anticipated volumes, pricing, quality specifications, and delivery schedules. Develop seasonal procurement plans that balance supply availability, purchasing costs, storage capacity, and production needs. Negotiate or support negotiations of pricing and supply agreements within established approval limits. Monitor producer commitments, delivery performance, and supply risks; develop contingency plans when necessary. Material Planning and Inventory Management Forecast material requirements using ERP/MRP systems, inventory data, and production schedules. Coordinate the availability of maple syrup, packaging materials, ingredients, and other production supplies. Establish replenishment priorities and maintain appropriate inventory levels to prevent shortages and excess stock. Monitor material usage, inventory discrepancies, and supply risks in coordination with the Plant Manager and warehouse team. Adjust material plans as production schedules and demand change. Submit purchase orders Required Skills and Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations, Logistics, Business, or a related field preferred. Two to five years of experience in material planning, procurement, inventory management, or production planning preferred; relevant entry-level experience may be considered. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and inventory management software. Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills. Ability to build effective relationships with producers, suppliers, and internal teams. Experience in food manufacturing, agricultural procurement, or seasonal commodity purchasing preferred. Knowledge of maple syrup production, quality specifications, and seasonal supply cycles is an asset. Maintain and follow GMP's, Food safety, HACCP, and FDA requirements. Compliance with SOV's Safety, Food Safety, Quality systems, SOP's, GMP's and policies. Key Performance Measures Adequacy of committed syrup supply relative to annual requirements. Producer delivery reliability and supplier quality. Procurement cost management and inventory accuracy. Forecast accuracy and prevention of material shortages. Effective coordination of purchasing activities and timely resolution of supply issues. Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching AD&D insurance Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid parental leave Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Wellness program Work Location: In person

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