NPD Material Planner II

With over 60 years of innovation and design experience in producing small-wheel vehicles, Club Car is a leading manufacturer of gas and electric golf, utility, and personal transportation vehicles. Founded in 1958, the Club Car product portfolio has grown to include much more than golf cars, now encompassing vehicles for commercial and consumer markets, built with an uncompromised desire for superior performance. As an industry leader in electrification and sustainability, Club Car is proud to be at the forefront of environmentally responsible Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) technologies.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The NPD Material Planner plays a critical role in coordinating materials and supply chain activities to support the successful launch of new products. This position ensures timely procurement, availability, and delivery of components and raw materials required for prototype builds, pilot runs, and initial production phases. The planner works cross-functionally with engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and project management teams to align material readiness with product development timelines.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and procurement teams to understand material requirements for new product introductions (NPIs).
• Develop and maintain material plans and schedules aligned with project milestones.
• Create and manage purchase orders for prototype, pre-production and safety stocks for launch materials.
• Monitor supplier lead times, expedite deliveries, and resolve supply issues to avoid delays.
• Track inventory levels and ensure optimal stock and safety stock for test and production builds.
• Support phase-in/phase-out planning for transitioning from development to full-scale production.
• Maintain accurate BOMs (Bill of Materials) and ensure alignment with engineering changes.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to provide updates on material status and risks, escalating as needed within the Sourcing & Supply Chain organizations as needed.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and support sourcing strategies for new components.

• Ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, and sustainability standards.
• Independent thinker comfortable working autonomously and integrate collaboratively in a cross functional team.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Will be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in material planning, preferably in a product development or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize under tight deadlines.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) tools is a plus.
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI) processes.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and just-in-time (JIT) principles.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work requires periodic stooping/bending and frequent walking/standing throughout day.
• Requires occasional lifting of objects less than 25 pounds as well as occasional lifting of objects 25 to 50 pounds.
• Work involves activities that require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, machines, or vehicles.
• Requires use of protective clothing.