Robertshaw is a private equity-owned global design, engineering, and manufacturing company selling product solutions to the appliance, automotive, and HVAC industries. We are an industry leader in advanced flow control components and systems for water, gas, and other fluids to help build extraordinary products that improve safety, comfort, health, and happiness.
When you join Robertshaw, you are joining a company with over 125 years of experience and a global team with a focus on innovation.
Scope:
A Materials Planning Manager is a critical supply chain leader responsible for ensuring the organization has the right amount of raw materials and components, at the right time, and at the optimal cost to meet production schedules and customer demand without excessive inventory. They are the essential link between demand forecasting, purchasing, and manufacturing operations.
Core responsibilities:
* Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Lead the execution of the MRP system. Analyze production schedules, Bill of Materials (BOM), and inventory data to accurately calculate and schedule material requirements.
* Inventory Management & Optimization: Define and manage inventory levels, including safety stock and reorder points, to minimize costs (storage, obsolescence) while preventing production shortages (stock-outs). Develop strategies to reduce excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory.
* Forecasting & Procurement Coordination: Collaborate closely with Sales and Production Planning to translate demand forecasts into concrete materials purchase plans. Coordinate with the Purchasing/Procurement team on submitting and tracking Purchase Orders (POs) and expediting critical material deliveries.
* Supplier & Lead Time Management: Monitor and manage supplier performance, ensuring on-time delivery (OTD) and materials meet quality standards. Work with suppliers to negotiate and reduce material lead times.
* Data Integrity & Systems: Ensure the accuracy of master data within the ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), including BOMs, lead times, and inventory counts. Drive system and process improvements for planning efficiency.
* Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as the liaison between the warehouse, production floor, purchasing, and finance departments to ensure smooth material flow from receiving to the point of use on the production line.
* Continuous Improvement: Implement process improvements using methodologies like Lean Manufacturing to improve material flow, reduce non-value-added activities, and enhance overall planning accuracy.
Skills and experience:
* Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.), Inventory Management principles, Demand Forecasting, and Statistical Analysis. Understanding of Bill of Materials (BOM) and production scheduling.
* Strategic and Analytical: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose supply chain risks and implement solutions (e.g., resolving complex material shortages). Ability to interpret data and generate clear performance reports.
* Leadership and Communication: Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of planners/buyers. Excellent negotiation and communication skills to manage external supplier relationships and coordinate with internal stakeholders effectively.
* Mindset: Meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure, and a proactive, ownership-driven approach.
Qualifications:
* Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Operations Management, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
* Experience: Minimum of 10+ years’ experience in quality assurance /control with at least 5+ years management experience
* Certifications: APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Six Sigma or Lean certifications.