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If you’ve Googled “Material Planner job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of near-identical articles. They all follow the same formula: a list of responsibilities, a few vague bullet points about “communication skills,” and a lifeless CTA at the bottom.
The problem? Posts like that don’t actually help you attract a great Material Planner—they just give you filler content.
Here’s the truth: top candidates aren’t excited by recycled job descriptions. They want to know the impact they’ll make, the team they’ll join, and why your company matters. If your job post doesn’t communicate those things, you’ll end up with the wrong applicants—or worse, none at all.
👉 Before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It explains why most job posts fail and gives you a proven structure you can adapt for any role.
In this article, we’ll apply those principles specifically to the Material Planner role. We’ll break down what the job actually is, share two strong job description templates you can customize, explain why they work, show you what a bad example looks like, and finally give you a quick copy-paste version if you’re short on time.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to write a Material Planner job post that’s not only clear but compelling—and one that actually attracts top talent.
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What a Material Planner Actually Does - Their Roles
A Material Planner isn’t just someone who “orders supplies” or “tracks inventory.” At its core, the role is about making sure production never stops because of missing parts or poor planning.
In plain English:
A Material Planner forecasts demand, coordinates with suppliers, monitors inventory levels, and ensures that the right materials are in the right place at the right time. They’re the bridge between purchasing, production, and suppliers—balancing cost efficiency with operational reliability.
That means this role isn’t only about spreadsheets and purchase orders. A great Material Planner also needs:
- Attention to detail – to spot supply chain risks before they become problems.
- Strong communication skills – to work with vendors, warehouse teams, and managers.
- Problem-solving ability – because unexpected shortages, delays, or surpluses are inevitable.
- A sense of ownership – they know production depends on them, and they treat it seriously.
Think of it this way: if production is the heartbeat of a business, the Material Planner is the one keeping it steady.
Two Great Material Planner Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Template 1: Job Description For Experienced Material Planner
📌 Job Title: Material Planner — Greenline Manufacturing (Dallas, TX)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Hybrid | $60,000–$72,000/year (Based on Experience)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎥 A quick message from the hiring manager
60-second intro from our Supply Chain Director, Maya Patel (Loom/YouTube): [Insert video link]
Who We Are
Greenline Manufacturing is a 30-year Tier-2 supplier of precision metal components for automotive and industrial equipment OEMs. We operate two ISO 9001–certified plants across the Dallas–Fort Worth area with 220 employees, running high-mix/medium-volume lines. We use SAP S/4HANA and partner with domestic and APAC suppliers. Our on-time delivery target is 98.5%, and the Materials team is central to hitting it.
Our Company Culture
- Ownership over blame: We run no-blame post-mortems and expect proactive problem solving.
- Lean mindset: We prefer small experiments that create measurable improvements.
- Clarity & candor: We communicate directly, document decisions, and close loops fast.
- Grow people, then processes: We invest in certifications and internal promotions.
What You’ll Do
- Drive MRP: review exceptions, release/expedite/de-expedite POs, and maintain accurate lead times.
- Set and tune safety stock, reorder points, and order quantities; manage ABC classifications.
- Monitor supplier OTIF; resolve shortages and capacity constraints; negotiate pull-ins when needed.
- Partner with Production, Purchasing, and Warehouse on builds, cycle counts, and kitting.
- Support ECNs/NPI ramps: align phase-in/phase-out to avoid E&O.
- Track KPIs (OTIF, DOH, PPV, E&O) and present weekly materials health updates.
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years in materials planning/supply chain within manufacturing.
- ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar) and strong Excel skills (lookups, pivots).
- Comfortable with BOMs, routings, lead-time modeling, and MRP logic.
- Calm under pressure, crisp communicator with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
- Nice to have: APICS/ASCM CPIM, kanban/pull systems exposure.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + HSA options
- 401(k) with company match
- 15 days PTO + 10 paid holidays + paid volunteer day
- Tuition support for APICS/ASCM certifications
- Commuter stipend; on-site Friday lunch; parental leave
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- High visibility: Your decisions directly protect line uptime and on-time shipments.
- Modern tooling: SAP S/4HANA, dashboarded KPIs, and support for continuous improvement.
- Career path: Grow into Senior Planner, Materials Supervisor, or Materials Manager.
- Tight-knit team: Fast feedback, low bureaucracy, high ownership.
How to Apply
We use Workscreen to keep hiring fair and efficient.
- Apply via this link: [Insert your Workscreen link]
- Complete a 12–15 minute skills screen (MRP scenario + prioritization exercise).
- We respond to every applicant within 5 business days. Finalists will meet the team onsite.
✅ Template 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Material Planner
📌 Job Title: Junior Material Planner (Training Provided) — BrightPath Logistics (Chicago, IL)
💼 Type: Full-Time | On-Site | $45,000–$52,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (occasional OT during peak weeks)
🎥 A quick message from the hiring manager
90-second intro from our Operations Manager, David Alvarez (Loom/YouTube): [Insert video link]
Who We Are
BrightPath Logistics is a Midwest 3PL specializing in e-commerce fulfillment for retail brands. We operate four warehouses across Chicagoland, processing same-day orders for 150+ clients. We run a modern WMS (NetSuite + custom dashboards) and coordinate daily with carriers to hit strict cut-offs.
Our Company Culture
- Safety first, always: Clean floors, clear lanes, and disciplined hand-offs.
- Frontline ideas win: Weekly kaizen huddles—if you spot a better way, we try it.
- Train to grow: Structured onboarding, mentors, and certification milestones.
- Team > ego: We celebrate hand-offs done right and help each other clear roadblocks.
What You’ll Do
- Track inbound ASNs; flag delays and help re-slot priorities with Receiving.
- Maintain reorder points and min/max levels for fast-moving SKUs.
- Update the WMS and spreadsheets to keep counts and locations accurate.
- Coordinate with carriers on dock appointments and escalate exceptions.
- Support cycle counts and investigate variances with the Inventory team.
- Learn forecasting basics and shadow senior planners on weekly demand reviews.
What We’re Looking For
- Detail-oriented and reliable; comfortable with numbers and spreadsheets.
- Clear communicator with warehouse leads and vendor contacts.
- Curious, coachable, and steady under time pressure.
- Nice to have: Any exposure to inventory, retail, or warehouse work (not required).
- Degree not required.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + life insurance
- PTO + paid mental health days + paid volunteer day
- Overtime eligibility + shift differentials when applicable
- Transit benefit + uniform/boot stipend
- Quarterly team bonuses tied to client OTIF
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Get paid to learn supply chain: 8-week ramp with badgeable skills each week.
- Real impact: See your work show up in same-day ship metrics.
- Supportive mentors: Shadow senior planners; clear path to Planner within 12–18 months.
- Stable hours: Predictable schedule with occasional peak OT for extra pay.
How to Apply
We hire through Workscreen to make the process fast and fair.
- Apply here: [Insert your Workscreen link]
- Complete a 10–12 minute situational assessment (priorities + basic math).
- Hear back within 5 business days. Finalists may do a paid trial half-day on the floor.
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Breakdown of Why These Material Planner Job Descriptions Work
A good job description doesn’t just list tasks — it connects with the right people. Here’s why the two templates above (experienced + entry-level) are strong and effective:
1. Clear, Specific Titles
- Good Example: Material Planner — Greenline Manufacturing (Dallas, TX)
- Instead of a vague “Material Planner,” it specifies the company and location. This immediately signals relevance and draws in candidates who are serious about that market.
- Good Example: Junior Material Planner (Training Provided) — BrightPath Logistics (Chicago, IL)
- Adding “Training Provided” makes it inclusive, instantly encouraging motivated candidates who lack direct experience but want to grow.
2. Video from the Hiring Manager
- A short Loom or YouTube video gives a face to the role, making the job post more personal.
- Candidates are far more likely to apply when they see the real manager they’ll work with — it humanizes the hiring process.
3. Human, Contextual Introductions (“Who We Are”)
- Instead of generic corporate boilerplate, both templates highlight specific facts:
- Greenline’s ISO certifications, SAP system, customer base.
- BrightPath’s e-commerce clients, WMS setup, and warehouse network.
- Greenline’s ISO certifications, SAP system, customer base.
- This level of detail tells candidates, “This is a real company with a real mission” — not just a copy-paste description.
4. Company Culture Section
- Both posts explain not just what the company does, but how it feels to work there:
- Greenline: Lean mindset, no-blame culture, internal promotions.
- BrightPath: Safety-first, frontline ideas win, team > ego.
- Greenline: Lean mindset, no-blame culture, internal promotions.
- Culture-focused language helps candidates self-select, filtering for those who will thrive in your environment.
5. Why the Role Matters
- Instead of saying, “You will handle materials planning,” the descriptions explain impact:
- “Production uptime and customer trust depend on having the right part at the right time.”
- “Inventory accuracy and inbound timing drive our clients’ ship-on-time promises.”
- “Production uptime and customer trust depend on having the right part at the right time.”
- This turns a job into a mission — something top candidates care about.
6. Transparent Salary & Benefits
- Salary ranges are stated upfront, which builds trust and saves time for both candidates and employers.
- Benefits are listed separately from “Why This Role Is a Great Fit,” making it easy to scan and assess.
7. Respectful, Transparent Hiring Process
- Both templates clearly outline how to apply, what the process looks like, and when candidates can expect to hear back.
- This eliminates one of the biggest frustrations in hiring: silence. It shows respect for applicants and sets you apart from competitors who leave people hanging.
8. Why This Role Is a Great Fit Section
- This is essentially the “sales pitch” for the job. It highlights:
- Career growth (path to senior planner or supply chain leader).
- The tools, mentorship, and visibility the role provides.
- Real-world impact (keeping production steady, shipping on time).
- Career growth (path to senior planner or supply chain leader).
- By separating this from perks/benefits, the post makes a stronger emotional case.
✅ The Bottom Line:
These job posts work because they combine clarity, transparency, and humanity. They show what the job is, why it matters, and why the company is worth joining — while treating candidates with respect.
Example of a Bad Material Planner Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Material Planner
Company: Confidential
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are looking for a Material Planner to manage inventory and support production needs. The ideal candidate will have experience in materials planning, procurement, and supply chain management.
Responsibilities
- Plan and schedule material requirements.
- Monitor stock levels and reorder as needed.
- Coordinate with vendors and internal teams.
- Track shipments and resolve issues.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field.
- 2–3 years of experience preferred.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
How to Apply
Send your CV and cover letter to hr@company.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
Simply calling it “Material Planner” doesn’t stand out. There’s no company name, no location, and no indication of why the role matters. - Cold Introduction
The summary is flat and vague. It doesn’t explain the company’s mission, industry, or why this role is important to the business. - No Salary or Benefits Information
Leaving out compensation feels outdated and can cause top candidates to skip the posting altogether. - No Insight Into Company Culture
There’s nothing here about how the team works, values, or what it’s like to work there. Candidates have no sense of whether they’d fit in. - Responsibilities Are Too Broad
“Monitor stock levels” and “coordinate with vendors” could apply to any role. There’s no detail about the tools, scope, or challenges. - Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” signals a lack of respect. It gives no timeline, no clarity, and creates a bad candidate experience. - Zero Personality
The language is stiff and uninspiring. There’s no human touch, no sense of mission, and no reason for a strong candidate to choose this company over others.
👉 This kind of job post doesn’t attract great candidates. It attracts desperate candidates—the ones applying everywhere. And that’s exactly what you don’t want.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Material Planner Job Description Stand Out
Even if you follow the improved structure, there are a few extra touches that can push your job description from good to exceptional. These small details build trust, attract serious candidates, and help you stand out in a competitive market:
1. Add an Important Notice for Candidate Security
Unfortunately, job seekers today worry about scams. Including a short line in your job post can instantly build trust:
“We take the security and privacy of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any stage of the hiring process.”
This not only reassures candidates but also shows you respect them before they even apply.
2. Highlight Leave Days and Flexibility
Top candidates value rest as much as pay. If your company offers flexible scheduling, hybrid work, or extra leave days, mention them directly in your post.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 20 PTO days annually, plus 3 floating holidays and the option for flexible Fridays.”
3. Showcase Training & Growth Opportunities
Great candidates are looking beyond the paycheck. If you provide mentorship, certifications, or cross-training, highlight it.
Example:
“We invest in growth — whether it’s APICS/CPIM certification support, internal promotion pathways, or supply chain leadership mentorship, you’ll have the tools to advance your career here.”
4. Add a Personal Video from a Manager or CEO
We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: embedding a short Loom or YouTube video makes your job post human. Candidates get to hear from the people they’d actually work with.
It’s one of the simplest ways to instantly build trust and connection.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Include Employee Testimonials or Reviews
If you have positive reviews on Glassdoor, Indeed, or your careers page, link them. Better yet, pull in one real quote from an employee about why they love working there.
Example:
“I’ve been here for 6 years, and what I love most is that my ideas actually get tested and implemented. The culture of improvement is real.” — Current Planner at Greenline Manufacturing
✅ Adding these small details shows you’re not just filling a seat — you’re inviting someone into a respectful, trustworthy, and growth-oriented environment.
Should You Use AI to Write a Material Planner Job Description?
AI tools are everywhere now, and it can be tempting to type in: “Write me a Material Planner job description” and copy-paste what comes out. But here’s the truth: relying on AI alone often backfires.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- Generic Output: AI tends to produce bland, cookie-cutter text — the same lifeless posts you see everywhere online.
- Wrong Candidates: A generic job post attracts generic applicants. The people you really want — detail-oriented planners who thrive under pressure — won’t be moved by vague buzzwords.
- Bad First Impression: Remember, your job post is often the candidate’s first touchpoint with your brand. If it looks like it was copy-pasted, it reflects poorly on your company.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI can still be a powerful assistant if you use it wisely. Think of it as an editor, not the writer. Here’s how to make it work for you:
- Feed It Context
Give AI the raw ingredients — your company’s mission, the tools you use (ERP systems, WMS, SAP), the role’s real-world impact, and your culture. - Be Specific in Your Prompt
Example prompt:
“Help me write a Material Planner job description for [Company Name]. We’re hiring for our [location] plant. The role is responsible for [insert key responsibilities like managing MRP, vendor follow-ups, and forecasting]. Our culture is [describe values]. We offer [insert benefits and salary range]. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please write it in a conversational tone that attracts detail-oriented, proactive candidates.” - Customize the Output
Never use the AI draft as-is. Edit it so it reflects your actual company culture, mission, and candidate experience.
💡 Think of AI as your junior copywriter. It can polish wording, improve structure, or suggest phrasing — but you need to supply the real substance.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
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Need a Quick Copy-Paste Material Planner Job Description?
We get it — sometimes you just need something fast. Maybe you’ve already read this guide and understand what makes a strong job post, but you also want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor in minutes.
That’s what this section is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First
Job Title: Material Planner — Keep Production Flowing at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year
🎥 A quick message from the hiring manager
60–90 second intro from [Hiring Manager Name, Title] (Loom/YouTube): [Insert video link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [industry descriptor, e.g., Tier-2 manufacturer / e-commerce 3PL / medical devices maker] serving [customer type/markets] across [#] sites. We run [ERP/WMS name], target [key KPI, e.g., 98% OTIF], and believe materials excellence is core to customer trust.
What You’ll Do
- Review MRP, release/expedite/de-expedite POs, and maintain lead times.
- Set/tune safety stocks, reorder points, and order quantities; manage ABC classes.
- Track supplier OTIF; resolve delays and negotiate pull-ins.
- Partner with Production, Purchasing, and Warehouse on builds, cycle counts, and kitting.
- Support NPI/ECN phase-in/phase-out to avoid excess & obsolete.
- Report weekly KPIs ([choose: OTIF, DOH, turns, PPV, E&O]).
What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years in materials planning/supply chain (manufacturing or logistics).
- ERP proficiency ([SAP/Oracle/Epicor/Netsuite/etc.]) and strong Excel (lookups, pivots).
- Clear communicator; calm under pressure; proactive problem-solver.
- Nice to have: [APICS/CPIM], kanban/pull systems exposure.
Perks & Benefits
- [Health, dental, vision] + [401(k)/pension] with match
- [PTO days] + [paid holidays] + [wellness/mental health days]
- [Tuition/certification support] (e.g., APICS/CPIM)
- [Stipends/commuter/parental leave/bonus eligibility]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- High visibility: Your planning decisions protect uptime and on-time shipments.
- Modern tooling: [ERP/WMS + dashboards] to make data-driven calls.
- Career path: [Senior Planner/Materials Supervisor/Manager] within [timeline].
- Tight-knit team: Low bureaucracy, high ownership, quick feedback loops.
How to Apply
We use Workscreen to keep hiring fair and efficient.
- Apply here: [Insert your Workscreen link]
- Complete a [10–15 min] skills screen ([MRP scenario + prioritization]).
- We respond to every applicant within [X business days]; finalists meet the team [on-site/virtual].
✅ Option 2: Structured (Job Brief → Responsibilities → Requirements)
Job Title: Material Planner — Right Parts, Right Time at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] seeks a detail-oriented Material Planner to ensure uninterrupted operations by managing MRP, coordinating with suppliers, and optimizing inventory levels across [sites/lines/clients].
Key Responsibilities
- Execute material requirements planning; maintain accurate master data.
- Forecast demand with [team/tool]; prevent shortages and excess.
- Track supplier performance; escalate risks and implement recovery plans.
- Balance cost and availability through safety stocks and min/max settings.
- Provide weekly KPI reports ([e.g., OTIF, turns, DOH]); drive corrective actions.
Requirements
- [Degree preferred/required] in [Supply Chain/Business/Operations/etc.].
- [X]+ years in materials planning/procurement/supply chain (or “entry-level; training provided”).
- ERP/MRP experience ([SAP/Oracle/Epicor/Netsuite/etc.]); strong Excel/data skills.
- Organized, analytical, and effective communicator with vendors and internal teams.
- Nice to have: [APICS/CPIM], kanban/pull systems, NPI/ECN exposure.
Perks & Benefits
- [Health, dental, vision] + [retirement plan] with employer match
- [PTO + holidays + flexible scheduling/hybrid]
- [Learning budget/certification support]
- [Bonuses/stipends/parental leave]
How to Apply
Complete the Workscreen application here: [Insert your Workscreen link].
Expect a [response timeline, e.g., within 5 business days] and a [skills screen/paid trial/onsite tour] for finalists.
Next Step: Let Workscreen Handle Candidate Evaluation
Writing a great job description is just step one. Once you’ve attracted applicants, the real challenge is figuring out who’s actually the best fit. That’s where Workscreen.io comes in.
Here’s how Workscreen helps you hire smarter:
🎯 Quickly Identify Top Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🛠️ Easily Administer One-Click Skill Tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🚫 Eliminate Low-Effort & AI-Generated Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
⏳ Save Time & Reduce Costly Mistakes
By automating the first round of screening, Workscreen helps you fill roles faster, while avoiding expensive hiring missteps.
👉 Ready to see how it works?
Sign up for Workscreen.io today, create your Material Planner job post, and let Workscreen evaluate applicants for you — so you can focus on interviewing only the best.
Frequently Asked Questions - Material Planner Job Descriptions
The best Material Planners combine technical ability with soft skills. On the technical side, look for strengths in demand forecasting, ERP/MRP systems, inventory management, and supplier coordination. On the soft skills side, attention to detail, problem-solving, and clear communication are essential. Great planners also stay calm under pressure, since unexpected shortages and supply disruptions are part of the job.
Salaries vary by industry, company size, and location. In the U.S., the average salary for a Material Planner typically ranges between $55,000 and $75,000 per year, with entry-level roles starting closer to the low end and experienced planners (especially those with ERP expertise or APICS certification) earning at the higher end. In some high-demand markets or industries like
aerospace and automotive, salaries can exceed $80,000.
A Material Planner ensures the raw materials and components are available to meet production needs, while a Production Planner schedules the actual manufacturing process — when and how products will be made. The two roles work closely together: production depends on the material planner to provide availability, while material planning depends on production schedules for accurate forecasting.
Certifications aren’t always required but can boost credibility and career progression. The most common ones are:
- APICS/ASCM CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management)
- CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
These certifications demonstrate mastery of planning principles, ERP systems, and process improvement.
