Materials Production Planner/Buyer

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Join our team and Be You Be Aptar.

Aptar is seeking a Materials Planner/Buyer based in Lincolnton NC. This role 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 and ensure raw mater availability 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.

As a Materials Planner/Buyer, You Will

• 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, Suppliers, 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.
• Assists in developing annual material supply and capacity plans
• Proactively communicates potential supply interruptions, raw material changes or service issues

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.
• Confirm orders for needed raw materials.
• Serve as a backup for departmental personnel as designated by management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Who We are Looking For

• 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.
• 4-7 years of experience in production/inventory control.
• 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.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Who We are
At Aptar, we leverage insights, design, engineering, and science to develop cutting-edge packaging technologies that enhance brand value for our clients and make a significant impact on people's lives globally. Our innovations transform conventional packaging into advanced dispensing systems, offering solutions such as precise fragrance applications, mess-free ketchup dispensing for kids, and connected technologies that support patients in adhering to their treatments.
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, diverse 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