Manager, Material Planning
Location: Norcross
Working hours: Job SummaryThe Material Planning Manager is responsible for leading all material planning activities across DEUTZ business units, including Engines - Value Add, Service - Xchange, Aftermarket, and DEUTZ Power Centers. This role oversees demand planning, inventory management, material availability, master data integrity, and supplier performance to ensure uninterrupted operations and high customer service levels. The position serves as the process owner for planning functions, drives KPI development and reporting, supports strategic supply chain initiatives, and collaborates closely with internal departments, vendors, customers, and global supply chain teams.
Additionally, the role provides leadership and team development through coaching, performance management, stakeholder alignment, and continuous improvement efforts focused on fill rate, inventory health, backlog reduction, freight optimization, and overall supply chain performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Lead material planning activities across all DEUTZ business units, including Engines - Value Add, Service - Xchange, Aftermarket, and DEUTZ Power Centers, ensuring material availability to support customer demand and operational requirements.
- Own and continuously improve material planning processes, including demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, shortage resolution, shipment tracking, and supply chain communication.
- Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs), including fill rate, supplier backlog, customer backlog, inventory health, remanufactured versus new parts utilization, and freight costs.
- Manage inventory strategies to optimize stock levels, improve inventory accuracy, minimize obsolescence, and support overall business objectives.
- Maintain and oversee master data integrity, including parts setup, planning parameters, and system data required for effective supply chain execution.
- Coordinate with suppliers and sourcing partners to support material availability, resolve supply issues, monitor vendor performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Purchasing, Warehouse Operations, Logistics, Accounting, Sales, and Customer Service to ensure alignment of supply chain activities and business priorities.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for material planning issues, driving timely resolution of supply, inventory, and customer fulfillment challenges.
- Partner with the Global Supply Chain Management team to align planning strategies, implement best practices, and support global initiatives.
- Lead and support cross-functional projects as a subject matter expert, providing planning expertise, process guidance, and execution support.
- Provide leadership and direction to the material planning team through coaching, mentoring, performance management, talent development, and succession planning.
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives that improve supply chain performance, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and overall business results.
- Other temporary or permanent assignments and changes in responsibilities that are not defined in this job description and are related to material planning and supply chain management in general as assigned by management.
Other Qualifications- Advanced Microsoft Excel and data reporting skills, including experience building inventory reports, dashboards, and analyses
- SAP Super User / Key User strongly preferred (S/4 Hana)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with a high level of attention to detail.
- Effective communication and leadership skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with operations, warehouse, finance, and supply chain teams.
Supervisory ResponsibilityLeads a team
Travel RequirementsPeriodic Travel 0-15%
Minimum Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in material planning, inventory management, supply chain, operations, or related functions.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing employees, teams, or cross-functional projects.
- Experience with demand planning, forecasting, inventory control, and material requirements planning (MRP).
- Demonstrated experience managing supplier relationships and resolving material availability issues.
- Strong understanding of supply chain performance metrics, including inventory turns, fill rate, backlog management, and service levels.
- Experience working with SAP enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and supply chain planning tools.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and KPI tracking.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and organizational levels.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and effectively lead through change.
Preferred Requirements- Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
- Experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, engines, automotive, heavy equipment, or aftermarket parts environments.
- Experience supporting remanufactured products, service parts operations, or distribution networks.
- Experience with SAP as Super User / Key User or similar platforms.
- Experience working within a global supply chain organization.
- Fluent in German language
Physical RequirementsEmployee must be able to regularly lift 15 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
