POSITION SUMMARY

Location: On-site at our Pinehurst, NC area facility

The Material Planner is responsible for ensuring materials are available to support production, testing, and customer delivery requirements across Kraken Kinetics programs. Reporting to the Operations Manager, this role serves as the organization's lead for demand planning, material planning, inventory strategy, and supply planning activities that enable efficient manufacturing operations and on-time program execution.

Working closely with Production, Purchasing, Engineering, Programs, Quality, and Finance, the Material Planner translates program requirements, production schedules, and business forecasts into actionable material plans and procurement recommendations. This position focuses on balancing demand, supply, lead times, and inventory investment to ensure material readiness while supporting operational growth and cost-effective execution.

As Kraken Kinetics continues to expand, the Material Planner will help develop scalable planning processes, forecasting methodologies, and inventory strategies that improve operational performance, reduce supply chain risk, and support increasing production throughput.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Demand Planning & Material Forecasting

• Develop and maintain rolling demand forecasts based on production schedules, program requirements, engineering changes, and business development opportunities.
• Translate forecasted demand into material requirements and supply plans.
• Maintain material planning data and planning parameters within ERP/MRP systems.
• Analyze forecast accuracy and continuously improve planning assumptions and methodologies.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and short-term execution planning activities.

Material Planning & Supply Readiness

• Execute Material Requirements Planning (MRP) activities to ensure materials are available to support manufacturing operations.
• Monitor material availability and identify shortages, constraints, and supply risks before they impact production.
• Develop material readiness plans for current and future production requirements.
• Assess the impact of program changes, schedule accelerations, and new contract awards on material requirements.
• Support rapid-response planning for urgent customer and operational requirements.

Inventory Strategy & Lead-Time Analysis

• Develop and maintain inventory strategies, including safety stock recommendations and reorder planning parameters.
• Analyze inventory performance and recommend actions to mitigate shortages, excess inventory, and slow-moving materials.
• Conduct end-to-end supply chain lead-time analysis and identify gaps between customer demand timelines and supply chain capability.
• Recommend inventory buffers, supplier agreements, or process improvements to mitigate lead-time risk.
• Support inventory optimization initiatives that balance operational readiness with working capital objectives.

Procurement Planning & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Provide Purchasing with prioritized material requirements, forecast data, and planning recommendations.
• Support supplier forecasting activities by providing visibility into future material demand.
• Monitor supplier lead times and identify emerging risks that could impact material availability.
• Coordinate with Engineering regarding new items, design changes, alternate materials, and bill of material updates.
• Coordinate with Production, Programs, Quality, and Purchasing to ensure material requirements are understood and executed.
• Support material traceability, audit readiness, and customer documentation

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in material planning, production planning, supply planning, procurement, or inventory management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Experience developing forecasts, material plans, and inventory strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or similar supply chain certification.
• Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing organizations.
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and government contracting environments.
• Experience supporting S&OP, supply planning, or demand planning processes.
• Experience with low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting a rapidly growing organization.

Security Requirement

US Citizen

Security Statement: US Citizen This position requires special access to U.S. government information. You must be a U.S. citizen for consideration

SALARY & BENEFITS

Kraken Kinetics is committed to offering a competitive compensation package to attract and retain top talent. This full-time, on-site exempt position offers an annual salary range of $80,000- $100,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits included:

• Generous PTO policy
• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).
• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)
• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance
• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.

We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

Watch what it's like to live here:
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