Materials Planner
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Review demand forecasts and production schedules
- Create and maintain material plans and replenishment signals
- Track inventory levels and set reorder points
- Coordinate purchase needs with Procurement
- Work with suppliers on lead times, order confirmations, and delivery dates
- Monitor material shortages and drive recovery actions
- Resolve delivery issues with Manufacturing and Warehouse teams
- Maintain accurate planning data such as lead times and minimum order quantities
- Support new product launches by planning material readiness
- Report on key metrics such as shortages, inventory health, and on time delivery
Top Skills for Success
Demand Planning
Inventory Management
Supplier Coordination
Production Scheduling Awareness
ERP Systems
Material Requirements Planning
Data Analysis
Spreadsheet Modeling
Problem Solving
Stakeholder Communication
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Materials Planner
Supply Chain Planner
Demand Planner
Production Planner
Inventory Control Manager
Supply Chain Analyst
Transition Opportunities
Supply Chain Manager
Operations Manager
Procurement Specialist
Sourcing Manager
Logistics Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
ERP Master Data ManagementShortage ManagementSupplier Performance ManagementRoot Cause AnalysisInventory OptimizationKPI Reporting
Development SuggestionsBuild stronger planning fundamentals by owning a small product line end to end, improving planning data quality, and tracking results such as fewer shortages and healthier inventory. Add practical ERP and reporting experience through targeted projects with Procurement, Manufacturing, and Warehouse teams.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUS$50,000 to US$65,000
Mid LevelUS$65,000 to US$85,000
Senior LevelUS$85,000 to US$110,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand. Hiring tends to rise with manufacturing expansion, supply chain volatility, and companies improving inventory control.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
BoeingAirbusGeneral MotorsFordToyotaTeslaGE AerospaceSiemensSchneider Electric3MHoneywellMedtronic
Industry Sectors
AutomotiveAerospaceIndustrial ManufacturingElectronicsMedical DevicesConsumer GoodsEnergy EquipmentDefense
Recommended Next Steps
1
Learn the company planning process and document the current material flow2
Strengthen spreadsheet skills for planning, tracking, and reporting3
Get hands on practice in an ERP planning module and improve data accuracy4
Create a simple weekly shortage review and recovery plan5
Partner with Procurement to improve supplier lead time reliability6
Build a portfolio of measurable wins such as reduced shortages or lower inventory