Material Planner
Last Reviewed: October 2025
Location: Onsite Butler, IN
Reports To: Materials Manager
The DeKALB Why
“Improving the organization and our community through growth and empowerment of one person at a time!”
We offer a wide range of employee benefits and competitive salaries. We don’t just say work life balance. We LIVE IT! Why work at DeKALB Molded Plastics? The DeKALB Why says it all!
About DeKALB Molded Plastics
DeKALB is a custom structural foam molder with over 30 years of specializing in large, multi-nozzle plastic products. As one of the first ISO 9001:2008 certified structural plastics molders in the U.S., we offer in-house post-mold painting, plastic decorating capabilities, kitting, and assembly requirements for programs ranging from single standalone products to complex, multi-component, multi-operation programs. With presses ranging in tonnage from 300 tons to 750 tons.
Job Summary
The Material Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely and efficient flow of raw materials, components, and supplies required for production. This role works closely with purchasing, production, and logistics teams to balance inventory levels, customer demand, and supplier capabilities while maintaining accuracy and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
· Live the DeKALB Core Values.
· Follow all safety policies and procedures.
· Perform all duties within OSHA, environmental, and quality standards.
· Develop and maintain material requirement plans based on production schedules, forecasts, and customer demand.
· Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock, maintaining Days on Hand targets.
· Issue and manage purchase orders; expedite and follow up with suppliers as needed.
· Coordinate material availability with production scheduling to ensure timely completion of customer orders.
· Work directly with suppliers to resolve delivery, shortage, and quality issues.
· Track supplier performance metrics including on-time delivery, lead times, and cost trends.
· Support inventory accuracy and cycle count initiatives.
· Analyze historical usage and demand trends to optimize inventory strategies.
· Manage inventory at offsite warehouse locations, ensuring accuracy and timely replenishment.
· Coordinate material movement between offsite warehouses and production facilities.
· Participate in cross-functional meetings to review production status and material readiness.
· Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO standards, and safety regulations.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
· Education/Experience:
· Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (preferred).
· 2–5 years of experience in material planning, production scheduling, or supply chain management (manufacturing preferred).
· Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (IQMS, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
· Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
· Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
· Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
· Core Competencies:
· Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
· Analytical and forecasting skills.
· Ability to negotiate and build supplier relationships.
· Team-oriented and collaborative mindset.
Physical Abilities Required
· Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
· Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, and climbing.
DeKALB Molded Plastics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Disclaimer: The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The company reserves the right to modify or amend the job description at any time, with or without prior notice. Employment at DeKALB Molded Plastics is at-will.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Ability to Commute:
- Butler, IN 46721 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Butler, IN 46721: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person