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Materials Planner

ACE Controls, Farmington, MI, United States


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 2-3 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
3-5 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.