Production Planning & Materials Specialist
First Priority GroupFirst Priority Group is a diversified manufacturer, dealer, upfitter and service provider of emergency and specialty vehicles seeking a Production Planning & Materials Specialist to support our customers at our Lakewood, New Jersey facility. Summary The Production Planning & Materials Specialist plays a central role in the production process by identifying components, parts, and materials required to configure a Bill of Materials necessary to accurately and efficiently assemble remounted emergency response vehicles. This position collaborates with the sales and production teams to meet customer expectations, ensuring that the accurate and timely acquisition of components, parts, and materials occurs. Duties & Responsibilities: Define and release a complete job Bill of Material in current ERP system (Epicor). Review and process change orders, coordinating with sales and production to ensure changes are accurately integrated into the production process and properly documented in the Bill of Materials. Collaborate with sales team to understand customer needs and expectations. Liaise with procurement personnel to identify “long lead time” items for timely acquisition. Analyze various design requirements and recommend possible solutions or alternate construction material and/or methods. Provide information when required for cost estimating on special requests. Where applicable, ensure manufacturing processes meet industry standards such as KKK‑A‑1822F, NFPA 1917, AMD Standards, and internal quality requirements. Evaluate new materials, fabrication methods, and technologies to enhance product performance and reduce cost. Qualifications: Five (5) years of experience in fabrication, automotive, specialty vehicle, or modular body manufacturing. Knowledge in emergency vehicle manufacturing is a plus. Proficient in understanding CAD drawings to determine the components and materials required for assembly. Proficiency in Excel, including formulas and functions (e.g., VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, pivot tables), along with working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Teams Familiarity with NFPA, KKK, and AMD standards. ERP/MRP system experience (e.g., Epicor). Key Competencies: Detail oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong time-management skills; able to prioritize and complete tasks accurately and on schedule. Be responsible, punctual, and remain resourceful when challenges arise. Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Accountable for the quality and timeliness of one's own work. Committed to supporting the organization’s mission, vision, core values, and goals. Work Environment/Physical Demands: This role splits time between an office setting and the production floor and will involve exposure to a manufacturing environment, including noise, dust, and moving equipment; standard PPE is provided where required. What You Are Looking For: First Priority Group’s number one priority is taking care of our team members and their families. You’re looking for a place where your excellence is recognized, valued and rewarded. We seek greatness and we know you do too. You enjoy being part of a team, especially a team where everyone carries their own weight and because of the team, everyone performs better. You want to be paid well, but more importantly treated well. We know you’ll want to stay because how well you’re treated at First Priority Group. Benefits: Competitive pay Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision coverage Paid PTO including vacation, sick days and holidays 401(k) retirement plan with 4% company match Career Advancement and Growth Potential Why FPG? What separates First Priority Group from the rest is we take care of emergency and first responders, as well as our own. First Priority offers strong competitive pay, company matching 401K, benefits (medical, dental, vision) and a team of over 100 employees including former and cu…