Sr. Materials Planner/Buyer

Join our team and Be You Be Aptar.

Aptar is seeking a Sr. Materials Planner/Buyer based in Lincolnton NC. This is a hybrid position, minimal of 2 days per week onsite required. This role involves analyzing demand (forecasts and orders) alongside production capacities to develop actionable plans and implement schedules that fulfill customer commitments. The Planner will also collaborate with Purchasing, Operations, Quality, and Suppliers to address service issues, drive process improvement initiatives, and maintain inventory levels within established targets.

Position Overview
The ideal candidate is an ambitious professional with the ability to evaluate complex requirements and translate them into streamlined manufacturing schedules. This role involves analyzing demand (forecasts and orders) alongside production capacities to develop actionable plans and implement schedules that fulfill customer commitments. The Planner will also collaborate with Purchasing, Operations, Quality, and Suppliers to address service issues, drive process improvement initiatives, and maintain inventory levels within established targets. Outstanding communication skills and a results-oriented mindset are critical for success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate production capacity, adjust plans to align customer demands with plant productivity, and generate production schedules for the manufacturing floor.
• Monitor overruns and excess inventory, applying them to future orders as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Customer Service to effectively communicate supply requirements.
• Analyze customer forecasts and integrate forecast data into the production schedule.
• Provide accurate, timely updates to Customer Service on production orders.
• Work closely with Customer Service and Commercial Services to interpret sales forecasts and smooth resulting demand.
• Manage inventory levels per company guidelines to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain accurate production schedules.
• Coordinate mold out-of-service times with Engineering, Quality, Tool Room, Customer Service, and production teams, ensuring progress on new and updated tooling projects.
• Oversee mold sampling activities.
• Plan and execute mold maintenance schedules.
• Manage out-of-service requirements in coordination with production, maintenance, project teams, and Customer Service.
• Maximize available capacity within machine and mold constraints.
• Monitor the availability of materials and components to meet customer demands.
• Coordinate material change requests when necessary.
• Expedite materials from vendors to ensure availability, manufacturing efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor rejected or reworked materials and coordinate replacement needs with Quality, SQA, and manufacturing teams.
• Implement quarterly or ad hoc production rate changes to ensure timely deliveries and order fulfillment.
• Develop and execute reporting systems to measure schedule performance, identify variances, and drive continuous improvement.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly and quarterly performance reports.
• Identify and support system improvement initiatives and implement change projects.
• Develop and implement material cost-reduction strategies.
• Assist in creating annual material supply and capacity plans.
• Proactively communicate potential supply disruptions, raw material changes, or service issues.
• Attend and contribute to sub-plant and departmental meetings.
• Provide logistical support as needed.
• Serve as a backup for departmental personnel as designated by management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Management, or Operations Management is preferred. However, a comparable blend of education and relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a formal degree.
• APICS Certification (CPIM) preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in materials and capacity planning, production scheduling, and supply chain coordination within a manufacturing environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of business software systems (SAP, Microsoft Office).
• Prior experience in a closed-loop ERP system environment preferred.
• Familiarity with SAP's Advanced Planning and Optimization (APO) module is a plus.
• Strong cross-functional skills and knowledge base.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective both as an independent contributor and in team settings.
• Exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or ISO 9001 standards is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Travel Requirements: Occasional

Who We are

At Aptar, we leverage insights, design, engineering and science to develop drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies for many of the world's leading brands. Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Our innovations nasal drug delivery for emergency medicines, precise fragrance applications, mess-free ketchup dispensing for kids, connected technologies that support patients in adhering to their treatments and much more

With manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, and a dedicated team of over 13,000 employees in about 20 countries, Aptar is committed to creating impactful innovations for our customers and their consumers.

Our Culture

At Aptar, our success is driven by the individuals who contribute their unique talents and perspectives every day. We believe that when you bring your authentic self to work, we all thrive.

How We Support Our Employees

* An exciting, inclusive and value based working environment

* Award-winning corporate university offering personal development and training opportunities.

* Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus plan.

* Contribute to the communities where we reside.

Innovative benefits plan which includes: 401k & Retirement Savings plan, vacation, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, pet insurance, wellness plan, and generous paid maternity/paternity leave.

Aptar is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our success. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

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