Materials Planner

Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG) Inc. is one of Manitoba’s fastest-growing companies, committed to increasing safety in the school bus industry and reducing emissions in the electric vehicle charging sector through our diverse divisions. We design and develop exciting, patented, and innovative technologies that make a real and lasting impact across multiple industries.

At the heart of our success are the values that guide everything we do:

• People – our team is what makes us special
• Passion – from our hearts and minds, demonstrated through our actions
• Priority – we put the customer first, every day, in everything we do
• Partnership – with each other, our customers, and our suppliers

We provide a supportive environment where hard work, passions, and goals are recognized. Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Share your drive and aspirations with us, and we’ll ensure that your efforts open doors to new opportunities and growth.

THE POSITION

The Materials Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of materials to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations through effective Material Requirements Planning (MRP), ERP planning, inventory optimization and planning data management. As a member of the Purchasing team, you will leverage NetSuite or a comparable ERP system to analyze material requirements, maintain planning parameters, and translate production demand into material plans that support manufacturing schedules. Working collaboratively with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and New Product Introduction (NPI) teams, you will proactively identify material shortages, planning constraints, and supply risks while driving continuous improvements that enhance material availability, inventory performance, and overall planning effectiveness.

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING AN IMPACT

• Develop, execute, and maintain Material Requirements Planning (MRP) within the ERP system to ensure the timely availability of materials required to support production schedules.
• Analyze production demand, inventory levels, planning parameters, and supplier lead times to develop effective material plans and mitigate potential supply risks.
• Maintain accurate ERP planning data, including lead times, planning parameters, safety stock levels, supplier information, and item master records to support effective planning decisions.
• Monitor inventory levels and replenishment strategies to optimize inventory while minimizing shortages, excess inventory, and obsolete materials.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and New Product Introduction (NPI) teams to support production requirements, engineering changes, and new product launches.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and material availability, proactively identifying risks and coordinating timely resolution of material constraints.
• Analyze planning performance and recommend improvements to MRP processes, ERP utilization, inventory management, and planning accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance material planning processes, planning parameters, and operational efficiency.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• MRP is executed accurately and effectively, ensuring uninterrupted production and material availability.
• Inventory levels are optimized through effective planning, replenishment strategies, and accurate ERP planning data.
• Material shortages, excess inventory, and supply risks are proactively identified and effectively managed.
• ERP planning data, including planning parameters and master data, remains accurate, current, and supports reliable planning decisions.
• Strong collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and NPI teams enables effective production planning and successful product launches.
• Material planning processes, ERP utilization, and inventory performance are continuously improved through data-driven analysis and process optimization.
• Changing production priorities, supplier constraints, and business demands are managed proactively while maintaining planning accuracy and operational performance.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU REQUIRE

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 3–5 years of experience in materials planning, MRP, supply planning, inventory management, or production planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using ERP systems with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) functionality (e.g., NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar).
• Solid understanding of material planning, inventory control, replenishment strategies, lead time management, and supplier coordination.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using ERP reporting and planning tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to build effective working relationships across Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), engineering change management (ECN/ECO), or continuous improvement initiatives is considered an asset.
• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or an equivalent supply chain certification is considered an asset.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM

Share your passion and drive with us, and we’ll provide an environment where your contributions are recognized, rewarded, and celebrated—supporting your professional growth and job satisfaction. We offer our team members a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive compensation with a negotiable starting salary based on experience.
• Group insurance plan with a health spending account.
• Paid vacation.
• Company-paid shutdown from Christmas to New Year’s.
• Opportunities for career advancement with a growing company.

We would like to thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.