Temporary Materials Planner

Job Title: Materials Planner (6 week contract)

Job Description

The Materials Planner will support short-term planning and execution of material requirements to keep production running smoothly and support on-time delivery commitments during a leave-of-absence coverage period. In this role, you will quickly step in, learn existing planning parameters, and maintain continuity across daily materials planning activities. You will work closely with production, purchasing, and operations teams to ensure material availability while maintaining appropriate inventory levels in a complex manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and release production and material requirements in alignment with the Master Production Schedule (MPS).
• Manage material availability to support production requirements while minimizing inventory disruption during the leave-of-absence coverage period.
• Monitor inventory levels and take proactive action to mitigate shortages, excess inventory, and potential production line stoppages.
• Coordinate closely with Buyers, Production, and Operations to address material constraints, expedite components, and resolve supply issues.
• Review MRP outputs regularly and ensure planning parameters such as lead times, safety stock, and order policies are properly maintained and updated.
• Track and communicate order status, material risks, and recovery plans to internal stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
• Support on-time delivery (OTD) objectives by proactively identifying supply chain risks and implementing mitigation plans.
• Maintain accurate data within ERP/MRP systems and ensure that all material transactions are executed correctly and on time.
• Assist with continuous improvement efforts related to materials planning, inventory accuracy, and process efficiency when applicable.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment to keep production flowing with minimal ramp-up time.
• Serve as a hands-on, plug-and-play resource who can quickly learn systems and processes and maintain stability rather than driving large-scale changes.

Essential Skills

• 3–5+ years of experience in Materials Planning, Production Planning, or Supply Chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, or similar platforms.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, inventory tracking, and reporting.
• Experience working in production, inventory control, and manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems for production planning, procurement, and purchase order management.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with minimal ramp-up time.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate data and documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a clear sense of urgency in addressing material and supply issues.
• Ability to maintain continuity and stability in a temporary role focused on supporting existing processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in machining, industrial manufacturing, or engineered-to-order environments.
• Exposure to Lean or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Background in production planning, production scheduling, supply chain, supplier management, and purchasing.
• Comfort working as a hands-on planner who can quickly learn new systems, planning parameters, and operational processes.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with planners, buyers, production, and operations teams.

Work Environment

This is a 100% onsite role with typical hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position requires frequent visits to the production floor, which can be loud, messy, and occasionally chaotic, so you should be comfortable working in an active manufacturing environment. You will be part of a planning team that includes three other onsite planners and four offsite planners, collaborating closely with materials and operations leadership. The organization operates within a well-established, global manufacturing setting that values engineering excellence, collaboration, operational discipline, and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from exposure to complex manufacturing processes, modern supply chain and planning practices, and cross-functional teamwork, offering a stable yet engaging environment where individual contributions make a visible impact on operations and customer outcomes.

This is a Contract position based out of Woodstock, IL.

The pay range for this position is $31.00 - $35.00/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 Woodstock,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 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.