Material Planner

Position Summary

The Material Planner is responsible for ensuring material availability to support production schedules, new product builds, and customer delivery commitments. This role manages demand forecasting, procurement planning, inventory control, and supplier coordination to maintain optimal material flow across manufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, high-precision manufacturing environment and possess strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain material requirement plans (MRPs) to support master production schedules and build plans.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to align material readiness with build schedules.
• Monitor and adjust inventory levels to meet changing demand while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
• Analyze consumption trends, lead times, and supplier performance to identify risks and mitigate shortages.
• Issue, track, and manage work orders, purchase requisitions, and production kits.
• Communicate and escalate material constraints to cross-functional stakeholders, providing clear recovery plans.
• Support engineering change orders (ECOs), ensuring controlled phase-in and phase-out of materials.
• Maintain accurate item master data, BOM accuracy, and lead-time parameters within the ERP/MRP system.
• Participate in daily production and planning meetings to align priorities and resolve bottlenecks.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in material flow, planning processes, and supplier reliability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of experience in material planning, production control, or supply chain management, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, NetSuite, Epicor, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of BOM structures, production scheduling, and material flow processes.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with high attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills for cross-departmental collaboration.
• Ability to thrive under tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles preferred.
• APICS/CPIM certification a plus.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.