Job Description
Job Description
Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.
The primary function of this position is to manage inventories and ensure that material resources are consistent with production requirements. The Material planner manages the procurement of materials to support production. They track inventory levels, and order additional quantities when necessary, making sure that materials are delivered on time and meet Upstate Niagara Cooperative quality standards. Communicates with operations and production planning of any shortages or issues that could affect upcoming planned production.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The Material Planner is responsible for the following activities:
- Manage and control the inventory investment in raw materials and packaging while ensuring sufficient materials are in place to support planned plant production.
- Establish and execute material management strategies including the calculation of safety stock levels and replenishment quantities.
- Reviewing inventory, determining the required materials, and placing purchase orders to support production.
- Ensure Purchase Orders are placed with accurately with expected pricing to ensure efficient receiving and accounts payables processes.
- Effectively and aggressively manage ERP system to ensure MRP process is operated within intended tools.
- Analyze inventory investment costs and trends to ensure they are in alignment with departmental and company objectives.
- Review inventory stocking policies and strategies quarterly to minimize inventory on hand and obsolete inventory.
- Collaborate with suppliers to prepare and align them to support our production requirements.
- Communicate with suppliers regarding planned usage levels, order status, and changes in cost of materials, delivery dates or quantities.
- Investigate and resolve material shortages, delivery delays and other issues. Coordinating with other departments regarding production goals, timelines, etc.
- Coordinating with other departments regarding production goals, timelines, etc.
- Liaising with operations, production scheduling and manufacturing.
- Communicate with Production and planning of any material shortages that can affect upcoming production.
- Collaborate with Quality and Vendor relationship manager to resolve any issues for materials received.
- Performs all accountabilities within the policies, procedures, and core values of Upstate Niagara Cooperative.
Education and Experience Required
- Bachelor’s Degree in business, Supply chain, logistics, inventory management or related field with 4+ years of material planning, inventory management, or purchasing experience preferred.
- APICS certification or matriculation towards certification preferred.
- Demonstrated statistical and spreadsheet analytical skills.
- Knowledge of manufacturing, inventory control, and Purchasing.
- Good communication, presentation, interpersonal and listening skills.
Key Working Relationships
- Operations, Transportation, Warehousing, Sales, Marketing, & Planning
Preferred Skills:
Business Acumen
Activity
Targeted Proficiency Level
Understanding of the Manufacturing capabilities and capacities
Proficient
Understanding of Inventory Management
Proficient
Critical thinking skills
Proficient
Soft Skills
Activity
Targeted Proficiency Level
Communication skills
Proficient
Decision-making
Proficient
Relationship Building, Teamwork, and Collaboration
Proficient
Technical / Analytical Skills
Activity
Targeted Proficiency Level
Knowledge of MRP systems & capabilities – Ross preferred
Proficient
Analytical Skills
Proficient
Problem solving
Proficient
Spreadsheet Management & Presentation
Proficient
Data driven Insight generation
Proficient
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
This position will primarily operate in a fast-paced office environment that requires a combination of team-based work as well as in-depth individual analysis. This individual must be comfortable sitting/standing at workstation for extended periods of time. Must be able to operate standard office equipment such as computer, phone, copier…etc. Periodic travel to plant operations or to visit Suppliers may be required.
Salary Range: $60,000 to $85,000 per year
*The salary range listed for this position represents the minimum and maximum we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.