Material Planning Specialist (AI & Automation Focus)

Role Overview

We are seeking an innovative and proactive Material Planning Specialist / Leader with a strong drive for artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and workflow automation. In this role, you will bridge traditional supply chain execution with modern digital tools to optimize inventory levels, mitigate supply chain risks, and automate Clear-to-Build (CTB) processes.

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including Procurement, Operations, Program Management, IT, and Warehouse—to drive automation, eliminate repetitive manual workflows, and ensure seamless material availability for production.

Key Responsibilities

1. AI, Data & Process Automation

Workflow Automation: Identify repetitive manual tasks (e.g., data extraction, shortage reporting, order tracking) and streamline them using AI tools, scripting, or automated workflow tools (e.g., Power Automate).
Predictive Analytics: Utilize AI/ML-enhanced forecasting and data analytics to predict supply chain bottlenecks, demand fluctuations, and supplier delivery delays.
System Enhancement: Partner with IT to integrate advanced analytics and AI capabilities into existing ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and reporting dashboards.

2. CTB Analysis & Demand Execution

CTB Reporting: Run, analyze, and distribute weekly Clear-to-Build (CTB) reports via Rapid Response (Kinaxis) for 16-week demand profiles (Work Orders & Planner Orders) across sustaining and NPI (New Product Introduction) models.
Urgent CTB Simulations: Perform CTB simulations for urgent requests or orders not yet loaded into SAP.
Demand & MPS Alignment: Review weekly demand loading changes with Planners and Program Managers. Ensure alignment between master production schedules and material arrival dates.
Shortage & Gated Material Resolution: Identify gated materials, resolve shortages, and prioritize urgent parts to buyers, logistics, and warehouse teams.

3. Purchase Requisition (PR) & Purchase Order (PO) Management

PR Review & Blocking: Review PR blocks prior to buyer release. Address problematic PRs (e.g., short lead time, EOL parts, revision changes) in coordination with Engineering Change (EC) and Program teams.
PO Conversions: Execute PO conversions to buyers following Master Production Schedule (MPS) Gap approvals.
PIR Updates: Submit documentation for Purchasing Information Record (PIR) updates to Site Document Control.

4. Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization

Inventory & Safety Stock: Monitor overall inventory health, review lead time (LT) profiles quarterly to suggest safety stock parameters, and manage Excess & Obsolete (E&O) stock with Program teams.
Engineering Changes (EC): Calculate depletion dates and support Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) implementation for part changes with the EC team.
Consignment & Special Logistics: Manage and follow up on urgent customer consignment incoming shipments, arrange weekly cycle counts for customer consignment stock, and drive SMI/JIT optimization processes.
Production Support: Attend daily GYAT meetings with Production, Planning, and Warehouse teams. Identify urgent materials required to meet monthly revenue targets.
Reporting: Generate regionalization and localization reports.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, Business Analytics, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Commerce, Logistics, or an equivalent field.
Experience: Minimum 5–8 years (6+ years preferred) of direct working experience in material planning, inventory control, or supply chain analytics within electronics manufacturing (EMS), semiconductor, or high-tech environments.
Level: Senior Executive / Junior Manager specializing in Purchasing, Inventory, or Material & Warehouse Management.
Location: Must be willing to work on-site in Senai.

Technical & Systems Expertise

ERP & Planning Platforms: Hands-on experience with SAP and Rapid Response (Kinaxis) is required.
Data & Analytics Tools: Proficiency in data visualization (Power BI, Tableau) and advanced Excel (Power Query, macros). Experience with Python, R, or SQL is highly desirable.
AI & Automation Literacy: Familiarity with generative AI, machine learning concepts, or workflow automation tools (e.g., Power Automate) to address business challenges.

Domain Knowledge & Competencies

Solid understanding of electronics manufacturing environments, materials, and processes.
Foundational knowledge of production planning principles, scheduling, MRP execution, purchasing concepts, and manufacturing control systems.
Ability to strategically coordinate builds and deliveries across single or multiple product lines.

Soft Skills & Language Capabilities

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and statistical capability to transform complex supply chain data into clear actions.
Adaptability & Execution: Ability to work under tight time deadlines, handle stress, manage time effectively, and adapt to shifting customer priorities and fast-paced ad-hoc requests.
Autonomy & Collaboration: Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact across regional, global, and customer-facing teams.
Language Preference: Multilingual capability in English, Chinese, and Malay (spoken and written) is preferred.

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