Material Planner

The material planner can be an important employee in any large or medium-sized manufacturing facility. The material planner is responsible for ensuring an uninterrupted flow of all items required to keep the manufacturing line running. It is usually a balancing process since manufacturers don't typically have the storage space for large amounts of raw materials, therefore the material planner has to ensure sufficient supplies without using up resources.

Based on the particular items that are being produced, employers might require a material planner to possess a minimum bachelor's degree in business, engineering logistics, logistics, and supply chain management, however other degrees could be required depending on the particular industry within which the employer operates.

Material planners must be able to work as an individual and in teams. They should be able to conduct the research themselves and keep track of the materials they use, as well working with colleagues like those from the department of purchasing. In smaller companies, material planners could be the only source of communication between the management team of the manufacturer and the entire company's team of suppliers.

Based on the kind of product that is being produced, a material planner's work may involve a lot of physical tasks, like going through the production line and taking inventory of the space. Based on the industries, these areas may not be controlled by climate and therefore being able to work in different temperatures is an asset. Alongside being physically demanding such work, a desired skill for many material planners is being a skilled negotiator to reduce the cost of production and to ensure the timely delivery of materials.

As a Material Planner with 6-9 years of experience in India, your primary responsibilities include:

• Oversee and manage inventory levels, ensuring that the necessary materials are always in stock while minimizing excess inventory to reduce costs.
• Analyze market trends and ensure that procurement orders are placed in a timely manner to meet customer demand.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve any issues that may arise.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure that materials are available and production schedules are aligned with demand.

For a Material Planner job role with 6-9 years of work experience in India, below are the key qualifications required:

• Extensive knowledge of supply chain management, inventory control, and production planning to ensure on-time delivery of materials to support production schedules.
• Strong analytical skills to assess historical data, current demand, and market trends to forecast accurately and plan inventory levels accordingly.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with suppliers to build and maintain strong relationships, negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times.
• Detail-oriented and able to thrive within a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

The role of Material Planner is vital to ensuring the smooth flow of materials and inventory management. Professionals with 6-9 years of experience in India's supply chain industry can consider the following alternative roles:

• Supply Chain Manager: A role with a broader scope of responsibilities, including overseeing the entire supply chain, managing logistics, and ensuring efficient operations.
• Purchasing Manager: A position that focuses on managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the timely delivery of goods.
• Operations Manager: A role that involves overseeing day-to-day operations, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency.
• Inventory Control Manager: A position that involves managing inventory levels, establishing inventory policies, and ensuring the accuracy of inventory records.

The job role of Material Planner in India is projected to witness significant growth in the market, based on recent data points from Google. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in employment opportunities for Material Planners in the region. The demand for professionals in this field is expected to continue rising in the coming years due to the expanding manufacturing and logistics sectors in India. The precise number of employment opportunities that will be available in the future is not explicitly mentioned in the available data, but it is evident that there is a positive outlook for those pursuing a career as a Material Planner in India.