Material Planner (NetSuite)
Responsible for ensuring the continuous availability of raw materials, packaging components, and ingredients necessary to meet food manufacturing production schedules. This role leverages Oracle NetSuite ERP to manage demand planning, purchase order creation, supplier coordination, and inventory optimization across one or more production facilities. The ideal candidate combines deep ERP proficiency with a strong understanding of food industry supply chain dynamics, including regulatory requirements, shelf-life constraints, and seasonality.
NetSuite ERP & Planning
• Execute material requirements planning (MRP) runs in NetSuite and review planned order recommendations daily.
• Create, manage, and release purchase orders directly within NetSuite; maintain accurate vendor, lead time, and unit-of-measure data.
• Configure and maintain NetSuite item records including reorder points, safety stock levels, preferred vendors, and lot/bin tracking settings.
• Build and manage saved searches, dashboards, and KPI reports in NetSuite to monitor inventory health, open POs, and supplier on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with IT and NetSuite administrators on system configuration, workflow improvements, and data integrity initiatives.
Inventory & Materials Management
• Monitor raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventory levels across all warehouses and production locations.
• Analyze consumption trends, production schedules, and historical data to generate accurate short- and long-range material forecasts.
• investigate and resolve variances in NetSuite.
• Manage material lot tracking, expiration dates, and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) rotation to minimize waste and ensure food safety compliance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Production Scheduling, R&D, and Quality Assurance teams to align material availability with new product launches and changeovers.
• Support S&OP processes by providing materials-availability input to the monthly demand and supply review.
• Work closely with Finance to support accurate COGS reporting, standard cost reviews, and month-end inventory close activities.
• Assist regulatory and quality teams with traceability requirements, supplier certifications, and food safety audit preparations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Food Science, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of material planning or supply chain experience in a food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with Oracle NetSuite ERP, specifically MRP, purchase orders, inventory management, and reporting modules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data modeling); ability to analyze large datasets.
• Solid understanding of MRP/MRPII principles, inventory control methods, and procurement best practices.
• Familiarity with food safety and regulatory frameworks (FDA, USDA, FSMA, SQF, BRC) as they relate to materials traceability.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interface with suppliers, plant personnel, and senior leadership.
