Material Planner - Forvia
Company Overview: Forvia is a global sustainable mobility technology leader pioneering innovative solutions for mobility experiences that matter to people. As a Material Planner, you will play a critical role in ensuring seamless supply chain operations within a dynamic automotive technology environment.
Job Purpose
Manage and optimize material planning processes to ensure timely availability of components and raw materials for production schedules. Coordinate with procurement, production, and logistics teams to maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing costs and preventing stockouts or excess inventory.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain material requirements plans (MRP) based on production schedules, sales forecasts, and inventory policies
- Monitor inventory levels, lead times, and supplier performance to identify potential shortages or excesses
- Collaborate with procurement to expedite or defer purchase orders as needed
- Analyze demand patterns and adjust safety stock parameters to improve service levels
- Coordinate with production planners to align material availability with manufacturing sequences
- Resolve material discrepancies, including shortages, overages, and quality holds
- Generate and distribute daily/weekly material availability reports to stakeholders
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for supply chain efficiency and cost reduction
- Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by ensuring material readiness
- Maintain accurate data in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in material planning, production planning, or supply chain roles within manufacturing (automotive experience preferred)
- Strong proficiency in ERP systems (SAP MM/PP modules highly desirable)
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis)
- Solid understanding of MRP logic, inventory management principles, and lean manufacturing concepts
- Experience with automotive industry standards (IATF 16949, AIAG) is a plus
Technical & Soft Skills
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret complex data sets and make data-driven decisions
- Problem Solving: Proactive identification and resolution of supply constraints
- Communication: Effective cross-functional collaboration with procurement, production, quality, and logistics teams
- Time Management: Prioritization of urgent material issues in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy in planning parameters, BOM structures, and inventory transactions
- Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to schedule changes and engineering modifications
Key Competencies
- Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Inventory Optimization & Control
- Supplier Collaboration & Performance Management
- Production Schedule Alignment
- ERP System Administration (SAP/Oracle)
- Demand Forecasting & Safety Stock Calculation
- Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions
- Cross-functional Team Coordination
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge mobility solutions within a global organization committed to sustainability and innovation. The Material Planner will be instrumental in maintaining supply chain resilience and supporting Forvia's mission to deliver technology for meaningful mobility experiences.