Lead Material Planner

Overview

Job Title: Lead Material Planner 

Job Location: Torrance, CA

Salary: $95,000-$133,000/yr DOE

The Lead Material Planner is responsible for managing and executing material requirements planning (MRP) across assigned programs, ensuring material availability to support production schedules and on-time delivery commitments. This role serves as a subject matter expert on ERP/MRP execution, mentor’s junior planners, and partners cross-functionally with procurement, manufacturing, engineering, and program management to resolve material constraints and drive supply chain performance.

Responsibilities

MRP Execution & Material Planning

• Own daily MRP review, exception message disposition, and planned order management for assigned programs
• Maintain item master parameters including subcontract setup, order policies, lot sizes, and safety stock in Infor LN/ERP.
• Analyze and resolve MRP-driven supply/demand imbalances; escalate critical shortages to procurement and program teams
• Ensure BOM accuracy and coordinate engineering change incorporation into the material plan

Production Support & Scheduling

• Publish and maintain production-ready material status reports (CTB/Line of Balance) tied to assembly start dates
• Coordinate with manufacturing and operations to align material pull schedules with shop floor priorities
• Proactively identify long-lead and sole-source material risks; develop mitigation and recovery plans

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as planning point of contact for program managers, buyers, and manufacturing leadership on material status
• Participate in program reviews, IPTs, and SIOP meetings to represent material plan health
• Partner with procurement on supplier escalations, PO expediting, and sub-tier supply chain issues
• Coordinate with quality and receiving on NCR disposition and re-procurement actions

Program Finance & Estimating Support

• Support new business proposals by developing material cost estimates
• Collaborate with program management and contracts to provide material content inputs for ROM and definitive cost proposals
• Participate in Estimate at Completion (EAC) reviews by providing current material actuals, open commitments, and forecast-to-complete data
• Prepare and maintain EAC material reports at the program, identifying variances against budget baseline and recommending corrective actions

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship to junior material planners
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives targeting MRP data integrity, planning cycle times, and inventory turns
• Develop and document planning standard work, SOPs, and training materials
• Assist Senior Manager in interviewing, onboarding, and developing planning team members

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 3 years of experience in supply chain, materials, or production planning; or 6+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or production support environment is required.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (Infor LN, Oracle, or equivalent) and strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to analyze demand data, forecasts, and material reports to drive planning decisions.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Effective problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to resolving material shortages.
• Knowledge of electronic components, high-reliability (hi-rel) parts, and associated supply chain processes preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and program stakeholders.

Stellant Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (e.g. Green Card holder), or a protected individual as defined by the International Traffic in Arm Regulations (ITAR).