Materials Planner

As a Materials Planner at Aston Carter, your primary responsibilities include demand, supply, and inventory planning for warehouse robotics equipment. You will analyze data to identify gaps in supply and demand, forecast inventory needs, and collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to optimize processes, ensuring a smooth operation within the supply chain.

To qualify for the Materials Planner position at Aston Carter, you should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or a related field, along with over 7 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing or sourcing environments. Additionally, experience with Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma methodologies is crucial for success in this role.

Essential skills for a Materials Planner at Aston Carter include strong analytical abilities, proficiency in Microsoft Excel and SQL, and a working knowledge of supply chain planning concepts. Additionally, communication skills and the ability to coordinate with global teams are integral to this role.

The work environment for the Materials Planner role at Aston Carter is fully onsite in Boston, MA. You'll be part of a dynamic team, collaborating Monday through Friday during business hours, ensuring that you can engage effectively with your colleagues and streamline operations in a collaborative setting.

Aston Carter provides a comprehensive benefits package for the Materials Planner role, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance options, and generous paid time off. These benefits are designed to support both your health and financial well-being as part of our commitment to employee satisfaction.

To prioritize tasks effectively as a Materials Planner, focus on the urgency and importance of each task. Utilize tools like the Eisenhower Box to distinguish between what is urgent and important. Communicate with your team to ensure alignment on deadlines and objectives, and be prepared to adapt your priorities based on changing business needs.

When discussing a time you resolved a supply chain issue, detail the situation clearly by describing the problem, your analysis, the steps you took to resolve it, and the results. Highlight any data-driven approaches you employed, partnerships with cross-functional teams, and how your solution improved operations or reduced costs.

When discussing tools for inventory management, mention your experience with specific software such as Oracle ERP, Microsoft Excel for data analysis, and any visualization tools you’ve used to monitor inventory levels. Explain how these tools helped you optimize inventory planning and improve overall supply chain performance.

To forecast demand effectively, rely on historical data and trends, utilize statistical techniques such as moving averages, and collaborate with sales and marketing to gather insights on upcoming products or changes in consumer behavior. Regularly revisit forecasts and adjust as needed to stay aligned with actual demand.

In discussing your experience with supplier negotiations, provide specific examples that illustrate your approach. Talk about your strategies for achieving cost reductions, terms favorable for both parties, and how you built lasting relationships with suppliers through effective communication and understanding their needs.

Teamwork is essential in supply chain management as it brings together diverse skills and insights necessary for problem-solving. Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams, how you facilitate communication to ensure everyone is aligned on goals, and the positive outcomes that resulted from effective teamwork.

When discussing metrics for measuring supply chain efficiency, mention key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover rate, order fulfillment time, and supplier lead times. Explain how regularly tracking these metrics allows you to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement within the supply chain.

Handling obsolescence in inventory requires proactive analysis and planning. Discuss your strategies for identifying slow-moving stock, implementing forecasting adjustments, and perhaps negotiating with suppliers for better returns. Mention how you maintain clear communication with stakeholders to ensure they understand inventory decisions clearly.

Safety stock is crucial in inventory management as it acts as a buffer against demand variability and supply chain disruptions. Explain how you determine optimal safety stock levels, the methodologies you apply, and how it weighs against carrying costs versus the risk of stockouts.

In a supply chain context, Six Sigma methodologies focus on reducing variability and improving process efficiency. Describe your understanding of Six Sigma principles, how you’ve applied them in your previous roles, and any tangible results in process improvements or cost reductions that stemmed from your initiatives.