Material Planner

Job DetailsJob LocationWaukegan, ILSecondary Job Location(s)Waukegan, ILSalary Range$ - $ HourlyJob Shift1st ShiftDescriptionJoin the PAKThe Visual Pak Companies are aligned with many of the largest consumer product companies in the household, personal care, automotive and food product industries.30 years of consistent growth with no end in sightis a testament to our best-in-class workforce as the foundation for our collective success. The Visual Pak is looking for innovative and dedicated achievers who are encouraged to keep ahealthy work/life balanceto join our team.DOES THE PROSPECT OF WORKING FOR A GROWING COMPANY APPEAL TO YOU?OR HOW ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON OUR SUPPLY CHAIN TEAM THAT WILL HELP US CONTINUE TO GROW???ARE YOU AN ANALYTICAL PERSON? DO YOU LIVE AND DIE BY YOUR EXCEL SPREAD SHEETS?DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE MINING DATA AND PRESENTING IT TO MANAGEMENT?WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT VALUES CONTRIBUTION, TEAMWORK AND REWARDS PRODUCTIVITY?HOW ABOUT WORK/LIFE BALANCE? IS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU? CAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT TO US!IF YOU'RE TIRED OF FEELING LIKE A NUMBER ON ONE OF THOSE SPREADSHEETS YOU LOVE, THINK ABOUT JOINING OUR TEAM!Material PlannerRole SummaryThe Material Planner manages the flow of materials within the organization. This role works with Production Planner and Buyers to maintain inventory levels, ensure that materials are available to meet production demands, and minimize production delays.Direct ReportsNonePosition Responsibilities-Tasks-DeliverablesAn individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.All duties as assigned and the following specific activities. Acts as a liaison between Production Planners, Buyers, and Client Service Coordinators (CSC's) to ensure timely receipt of all incoming materials, ensuring optimal inventory levels. Participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment on material needs, production schedules, and overall goals.Coordinate with Buyers and CSC's to manage order change requests.Maintain accuracy of all customer-owned inventory. Monitor inventory levels and notify the Buyer to order supplies, as needed. Addresses shortage reports by assessing onsite material availability to maintain the production schedule, while promptly informing the site-specific production planner of any shortages that could impact the production schedule. Maintain production forecasts with inbound materials supplied by customers to ensure a steady influx of materials is delivered beyond the two-week production plan. Ensure deliveries adhere to dock schedules, whether they are on time or missed, and take necessary actions to address any deviations. Oversee the schedule to proactively swap units when raw materials are unavailable for specific orders, ensuring MMSA KPI targets are met.Prepare regular reports on material availability and inventory levels. Serve as a backup for the Production Planner, taking on production planning responsibilities during their absence.Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement solutions to enhance material flow efficiency. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)On-going outcome that is measurable:Monthly MMSAWeekly schedule attainmentOn time dock appointments are maintainedOn time promise dateAbout Visual PakEstablished in 1982, The Visual Pak Companies is the premier destination for cutting-edge contract packaging and manufacturing solutions. As a privately held conglomerate, we specialize in delivering optimal Manufacturing, Design, Packaging, and Logistics Services for Consumer Goods, setting us apart as a leader in the industry. At our core, we prioritize investing in our talented workforce, leveraging their expertise to drive our proven success and uphold our commitment to strategic excellence. With our ongoing growth trajectory and the need to meet emerging demands, we invite forward-thinking individuals to join our dynamic team and shape the future of manufacturing with us.Why Join Visual Pak? At Visual Pak, we are committed to supporting our employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package of traditional and lifestyle benefits. These programs are selected and designed to make a difference for the well-being of our employees and their families.Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.401(k) Retirement Savings - with Company matchFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Dependent Care Accounts (DCA) -Save pre-tax dollars on eligible medical expenses.Dependent Care Subsidy -Extra financial support for your family's dependent care needs.Childcare & Elder Care Resources - Find trusted care options near you easily.Tuition/Education Assistance - Invest in your growth with financial support for education and professional development.Active & Fit Direct - Affordable access to thousands of gyms and fitness centers.Geode Health - Mental health support tailored to your needs.Commuter Benefits - Save on transit and parking expenses.Health Advocate Services - Get expert help navigating healthcare and benefits.Benefit Hub - Employee Perks and Discount Marketplace - Exclusive savings on shopping, travel, and more!Pet Insurance - Coverage to keep your furry family members healthy.Paid Time Off & Holidays - Recharge and enjoy your well-earned time away.Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance -Disability income protection for long and short-term absences from work.Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visual Pak does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.QualificationsKnowledge-Skills-Abilities Education: Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or related field.Applicable equivalent progressive work experience in lieu of educational training.Experience:2 years' professional experience in material planning, inventory management, or supply chain management in a contract Manufacturing environmentKnowledge of manufacturing procProficient in mining data and assembling useful reports for Management review. Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and accuratelyPositive team player and effective communicator with all levels of management and cross-functional organizationsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAble to work well under pressure; able to recognize urgency Self-motivated, focused, and results-oriented. Team-centric with a service attitude Confident to present information, offer conclusions, and advocate for proactive problem-solving options.Technology/Software: Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word) skills Proficient, knowledgeable and comfortable working with an MRP system, including item and Bill of material maintenance, forecast maintenance, sales order maintenance and purchase ordersCommunication: Communication skills in both English and Spanish (2nd Spanish preferred)Outstanding written, oral, interpersonal, and outward behavior communication ability.Proficiency for listening well.Demonstrated talent for understanding your audience and how to communicate your message effectively to them.Physical Capabilities Strength: Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.Movement: Regularly stands; walks; sits; uses hands to type, grasp/handle, or reach with hands and arms. May need to stoop, kneel or crouch.Hearing: Must be able to hear and understand work direction in a loud, distracting environmentVision: Must be able to judge distance, identify details, and view computer screen regularlyMISCELLANEOUSTravel: N/A