Materials Planner

Materials Planner

ACE Controls, Inc. A Stabilus Company

Stabilus is a global leader in the production of gas springs and dampers on five continents. This position will be located at ACE Controls, Inc., a Stabilus company, located in Farmington Hills, MI. ACE is the internationally recognized expert in industrial damping technology, offering solutions in automation control, motion control, vibration control, and safety products.

Job Summary

The Materials Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating materials to support manufacturing operations and customer demand. This role ensures timely availability of components and raw materials through effective use of MRP, Kanban systems, and production scheduling. The Materials Planner analyzes demand signals, manages inventory levels, resolves material shortages, and works cross-functionally to improve lead times, on-time delivery, and overall material flow. The position also supports supplier coordination, cost control initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

Essential Job Functions

• Receives incoming customer releases and demand signals and converts them into executable material and production plans
• Generates and maintains production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements
• Performs rough-cut capacity planning, including production rates, labor requirements, and equipment utilization
• Monitors production schedules and material availability, making adjustments to optimize labor, materials, and machine usage
• Analyzes MRP outputs and resolves shortages, expedites material, and identifies root causes of supply disruptions
• Plans, calculates, and continuously improves Kanban parameters to support consistent material flow and improved on-time delivery
• Coordinates with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve lead times, delivery performance, and material availability
• Supports purchasing activities by providing planning inputs for raw material and component procurement
• Reviews and supports planning of MRO materials to ensure uninterrupted plant operations
• Identifies excess and obsolete inventory and supports actions to reduce inventory exposure
• Assists in maintaining inventory accuracy through system analysis, cycle count support, and process improvements
• Supports cost-reduction initiatives related to inventory, material usage, and planning efficiency
• Actively participates in activities conforming to ISO 9000 standards and contributes to Continuous Improvement initiatives

Education, Training, Certifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related discipline

Experience

• Minimum of 23 years of experience in materials planning, production planning, or supply chain analytics in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; QAD experience strongly desired
• 35 years of experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred
• Strong understanding of:
  • MRP logic and planning parameters
  • Production scheduling and order policies
  • Bill of material (BOM) structures
  • Inventory management and multi-plant planning
• Experience with indirect materials (MRO) planning is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functional areas
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Team-oriented with a willingness to be a go-to resource
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Strong communication skills and cross-functional collaboration ability
• Continuous improvement mindset with an optimistic attitude
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and taking ownership from start to finish
• Confident, organized, and capable of working independently and within a team environment

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with regular interaction on the manufacturing floor
• Climate-controlled manufacturing facility with machining, assembly lines, and assembly cells
• Exposure to oils, greases, and coolants used in manufacturing processes

Accountability

• Responsible for adhering to all ACE Controls, Inc. procedures, technical guidelines, and customer requirements
• Accountable for maintaining accurate material plans that support production, delivery, and inventory targets

Physical Requirements

• Ability to talk and hear frequently
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and use of hands for handling materials and equipment
• Occasional lifting of materials and supplies up to 30 pounds

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties. Responsibilities may change or be added as business needs evolve.