Material Planner

Company Overview

DEUTZ Corporation is a global leader in the manufacture of innovative drive systems. The company specializes in the development, production, distribution, and maintenance of diesel, gas, and electric drivetrains used across a variety of professional applications including construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling, stationary equipment, commercial vehicles, and rail transport.

Job Summary

The Material Planner plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuous supply of appropriate products in correct quantities and timing. This position aims to meet inventory targets, customer demands, and production schedules efficiently while minimizing working capital and stock levels. The role involves complex data analysis to optimize supply chain processes while maintaining communication with internal teams and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute the supply chain to deliver the right product in the right amount and time to the correct destination, meeting customer requirements and achieving fill rate objectives.
• Communicate and monitor purchase orders with both internal and external suppliers.
• Analyze demand forecasts and other business/technical data to develop effective production material plans.
• Collaborate with sales and production teams regarding supply limitations.
• Oversee vendor-managed inventory and provide updates on component shortages during daily production meetings.
• Maintain targeted inventory and supply levels while enhancing supplier performance.
• Escalate issues and support supplier risk management strategies.
• Work closely with suppliers to meet or surpass expectations.
• Track on-time delivery and full-order fulfillment metrics, monitoring supplier capacity against forecasts and production orders.
• Analyze material demand trends and monitor safety stock levels.
• Implement efficient demand planning strategies and support production planning and scheduling outlooks.
• Manage inventory and working capital effectively, minimizing obsolete materials to reduce liabilities.
• Proactively seek opportunities for cost reduction within daily operations.
• Assist with warehouse operations and logistics to reduce inbound transportation and inventory handling costs.
• Perform additional related responsibilities as assigned.

Candidate Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain follow-through under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Excellent skills in prioritizing, time management, and organization.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and execute necessary actions without close supervision.
• Ability to cope with ambiguity and rapid changes in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness and ability to learn key ERP system functions and transactions, preferably SAP.
• Capability to analyze data and derive actionable insights.
• Energetic and results-focused with a process-oriented mindset and drive for continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in material requirements planning, production scheduling, inventory control, and expediting methods.
• Between 1 to 3 years of experience in purchasing or material planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or a related business/manufacturing field.
• Certifications in supply chain disciplines are advantageous.
• Basic experience with SAP or comparable ERP systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Outlook and Excel.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to routinely lift up to 15 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Work environment is typically an office setting with noise levels ranging from quiet to moderate.
• Job duties require sustained concentration, sitting, communication, standing, hearing, lifting, and bending.

Additional Information

• Location: Pendergrass, GA xChange facility.
• Working hours: standard onsite schedule.
• Travel requirement: occasional trips to other internal locations or suppliers, expected to be under 10% of time.
• Supervisory responsibility: this is an individual contributor role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

DEUTZ is committed to equal employment opportunities for all candidates, evaluating applicants solely on merit and business needs without discrimination based on any protected status under federal, state, or local laws. The company fosters an inclusive culture and adheres to applicable legal standards.