Planning & Fulfillment Manager

Job Title: Planning & Fulfillment Manager

Job Description

The Planning & Fulfillment Manager leads a team responsible for ensuring that raw materials and components are available to support production and R&D needs efficiently and reliably. This role requires a deep understanding of the end-to-end supply chain and production operations, with a strong focus on developing and executing effective inventory strategies. The manager creates visibility of material status across the business, identifies and mitigates supply constraints, and collaborates across functions and geographies to support large-scale, complex hardware builds in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Material and Production Planners, managing a team of five in total, including current employees and open planner roles.
• Oversee the creation of material demand within MRP systems and manage material supply to support both Production and R&D activities.
• Ensure part master data within MRP is accurate, complete, and maintained to support reliable planning and execution.
• Develop and implement inventory strategies that support production schedules while optimizing material availability and efficiency.
• Create and maintain clear material visibility across the business using tools such as line-of-balance reports, material shortage reports, and clear-to-build reports.
• Identify part supply constraints that may impact the production schedule and develop mitigation plans to minimize disruption.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, supply chain, and other functional groups, to achieve company-wide goals.
• Manage both demand planning and supply planning processes within MRP and ERP systems, ensuring alignment with production requirements and business priorities.
• Design, refine, and deploy new planning processes and systems that enhance operational efficiency and scalability.
• Use data analysis, including SQL, advanced Excel, and ERP reporting, to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Apply strong organizational and problem-solving skills to prioritize tasks effectively and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with stakeholders through verbal and written updates on material status, risks, and mitigation plans.

Essential Skills

• 7 to 8+ years of supply chain experience in aerospace and defense, with a focus on planning rather than procurement-heavy responsibilities.
• Technical supply chain background or strong industry experience in space or similar complex hardware environments.
• Hands-on experience managing demand planning and supply planning within MRP and ERP systems.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel for data analysis, reporting, and modeling.
• Proficiency with ERP systems for planning and materials management.
• Proficiency in SQL for querying and analyzing data from business systems.
• Proficiency in MRP systems, including configuration and use for material and production planning.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear collaboration across functions.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a strong team player in a cross-functional environment.
• Proven ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment while meeting multiple deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or a relevant field.
• Related experience as a Material Planner, Production Planner, or in similar planning and fulfillment roles.
• Ability to create new processes and deploy effective systems to support rapid growth and scaling.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including strong skills in Excel and other productivity tools.
• Experience in aerospace or automotive manufacturing, particularly with complex, physical components.
• Experience working in a rapid growth environment where processes and systems are evolving.
• Engineering background or strong industry experience with structural and hardware-focused products.
• Experience working with physical components rather than software, ideally on large-scale structures or rocket builds.
• High motivation and passion for space and advanced technology, with the drive to excel in a demanding role.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy, particularly in managing part master data and planning parameters.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middle River, MD.

The pay range for this position is $62.50 - $72.11/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Middle River,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.