Material Planning Manager in Brea, California at APPLIED COMPOSITES INC

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Material Planning Manager who will provide leadership and strategic direction for material planning, inventory management, and supply planning activities in support of manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for ensuring material availability aligns with production requirements, customer delivery commitments, and business objectives while optimizing inventory levels and mitigating supply chain risk.

The Material Planning Manager will lead and develop the Material Planning team, establish planning strategies and performance metrics, and partner closely with Operations, Procurement, Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and Finance. This role will drive improvements in MRP execution, inventory performance, shortage management, and overall material flow to support operational excellence and on-time delivery.

About AC

Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.

Job Accountabilities

Lead the Material Planning function to ensure material availability supports production schedules, customer requirements, and business objectives.

Develop and execute material planning strategies that optimize inventory, improve material flow, and support on-time delivery.

Lead, coach, and develop Material Planners and other assigned Supply Chain team members while establishing clear performance expectations and accountability.

Oversee MRP execution, material requirements, inventory planning, shortage management, and production material readiness.

Partner with Procurement, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to align material plans with production and business priorities.

Proactively identify material constraints, supply risks, and inventory issues and lead cross-functional mitigation and recovery plans.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to material availability, shortages, inventory accuracy, inventory turns, excess and obsolete inventory, and schedule performance.

Drive inventory optimization strategies while balancing customer demand, production requirements, supplier lead times, and working capital objectives.

Ensure ERP/MRP planning parameters, lead times, inventory data, and material requirements are accurate and effectively maintained.

Support SIOP and production planning activities by evaluating demand, capacity, inventory, and material requirements.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning accuracy, inventory reduction, material flow, and overall supply chain performance.

Support customer, regulatory, and third-party audits and ensure compliance with applicable aerospace and defense requirements.

Develop and present material planning metrics, risks, recovery plans, and performance updates to site and senior leadership.

Establish standardized planning processes, procedures, and best practices across the organization.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.

Seven (7) or more years of progressive experience in material planning, supply chain, production planning, procurement, or related manufacturing operations.

Three (3) or more years of leadership or management experience.

Strong knowledge of MRP, material planning, inventory management, production planning, and supply chain principles.

Demonstrated experience managing material shortages, inventory performance, and supply chain risks within a manufacturing environment.

Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable business decisions.

Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience within aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.

APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification or other relevant supply chain certification.

Experience working within an AS9100-certified environment.

Knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, and applicable aerospace and defense requirements.

Experience with SIOP/S&OP processes and demand and supply planning.

Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

Demonstrated experience leading inventory optimization and working capital improvement initiatives.

Experience supporting customer and regulatory audits.

Benefits

At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

Applied Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled – Affirmative Action Employer.

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., “Green Card Holder”), Political Asylee, or Refugee.