Material Planner (Manufacturing)

Role Summary

Manages and controls the accuracy of production specifications, bills of materials (BOM), and routing data within the MRP system to ensure correct order issuance, resource allocation, and on-time delivery. Works closely with engineering, planning, purchasing expediting department, and warehouse and logistic teams to maintain data integrity and production flow.

Key Responsibilities

1. MRP Data Management (AS400)

• Maintain, update, and validate all production specifications, BOMs, routings, and process sequences in the MRP system.
• Ensure master data reflects the latest approved engineering changes, product configurations, and process improvements.
• Standardize data entry formats to maintain consistency and avoid system errors.

2. Engineering & Specification Review

• Review and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and change notices before data entry.
• Confirm part numbers, material grades, dimensions, and process steps are accurately recorded in MRP.

3. Production Order Management (Spec-in)

• Generate, release, and monitor production orders in MRP, ensuring they match planning schedules and resource availability.
• Coordinate with production supervisors to confirm order sequencing, lot sizes, and start/finish dates.
• Expedite urgent orders when required and adjust data accordingly.

4. Procurement & Material Coordination

• Work with the Purchasing Expediting Department to ensure procurement activities are based on accurate MRP material requirements.
• Identify potential material shortages early and escalate to procurement for resolution.
• Support purchasing in resolving mismatches between BOM requirements and purchase orders.

5. WIP Tracking & Discrepancy Resolution

• Track work-in-progress (WIP) status in MRP and update progress regularly.
• Investigate discrepancies between physical stock, WIP, and MRP records, and correct errors promptly.
• Ensure completed orders are properly closed in the system to release capacity and update inventory.

6. Data Integrity & Audits

• Conduct regular master data audits in MRP to identify obsolete items, incorrect routings, or outdated specifications.
• Implement corrective actions to maintain system accuracy.
• Prepare audit reports and recommend process improvements.

7. Training & Support

• Provide guidance to related teams on correct MRP usage.
• Develop reference guides and checklists for specification and BOM data entry.
• Support new staff in understanding product configuration and routing principles.

8. Quality & Compliance Liaison

• Coordinate with QA to ensure product specifications meet required quality standards.
• Ensure all specification changes are approved before updating in MRP.
• Maintain compliance with company document control and quality management procedures.