Supply Chain Planner
The Supply Chain Planner at Confidential Client is responsible for ensuring timely availability of finished goods and raw materials by translating demand forecasts into production and purchase plans. This entry-level role involves coordinating with manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams to maintain inventory health, support new product launches, and drive continuous improvement using data and AI tools within a fast-paced, vertically integrated CPG environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Supply Chain Planner to support production planning and materials planning at a vertically integrated manufacturing operation. This role converts demand forecasts into production schedules and purchase plans, monitors inventory and capacity, and partners with Manufacturing, Procurement, Demand Planning, and Quality to keep the line running. Ideal for recent graduates or professionals with 0–2 years of supply chain experience.
What You’ll Do
Production planning and operations
- Build and maintain finished-goods production schedules based on forecast, inventory targets, and line capacity
- Balance changeovers, run sizes, shelf life, and service levels to keep the right inventory in the right place
- Work daily with Manufacturing to adjust schedules for downtime, material shortages, and urgent customer needs
- Track production attainment and inventory coverage; flag shortfalls or excess early
Materials planning and supplier coordination
- Plan raw materials and packaging requirements using MRP, BOMs, and production schedules
- Work with Procurement and suppliers to place and expedite orders, confirm dates, and resolve shortages before they impact production
- Monitor inventory levels, lead times, minimums, and safety stock; recommend adjustments
- Manage obsolescence and expiry risk for packaging and ingredients
Special projects & launches
- Support new product launches with initial production plans, material sourcing, and launch inventory builds
- Plan rebranding and packaging changes, coordinating run-outs and timing of new materials
- Manage item transitions and discontinuations to minimize write-offs and avoid gaps on shelf
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Marketing, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Procurement to meet timelines
Analysis & continuous improvement
- Build reports on inventory health, production performance, supplier delivery, and order fill
- Participate in monthly S&OP and communicate supply constraints and risks
- Maintain accurate item, BOM, lead time, and planning parameters in ERP/planning systems
- Use data and AI tools to automate manual tasks and evolve the planning function
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations, industrial engineering, business, or related field — or 0–2 years of relevant experience (recent graduates encouraged)
- Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, formulas); coursework, internship, or project experience in planning/manufacturing a plus
- Basic understanding of MRP, bills of material, lead times, and inventory concepts; ERP exposure is a plus
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable making recommendations with incomplete information
- Highly organized with a bias toward follow-through
- Able to partner and influence at multiple levels (from line supervisors to suppliers)
- Comfortable handling multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment where processes are being built
- Open mindset toward AI tools with willingness to experiment and learn
- Relentless drive to get things done; flexible and quick to learn new processes and technologies
Why You Might Like This Role
- Hands-on role with real ownership — not just a scheduling seat
- Casual, friendly culture with strong team collaboration
- Equity opportunities — every employee has ownership
- Clear growth path into senior planning and leadership roles
- Training and exposure to full end-to-end supply chain in a vertically integrated operation
- Perks like free product samples and comprehensive benefits
Why This Role Might Not Be for You
- Fast-paced environment with a high bar — not a cushy job
- Plans change frequently; you'll need to re-plan quickly when suppliers or lines impact schedules
- Role requires building processes as the function matures
Physical Demands & Compliance
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Must be able to safely perform essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA, and applicable federal, state, and local standards
- Regular, punctual attendance required consistent with legal standards
Perks & Benefits
- Full benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k)
- Parental leave
- 4 weeks paid time off
- Weekly pay
- Stock options — every employee is an owner
- Free product
Core Values
- Ownership — show up with passion and accountability
- Rational — make high-quality, repeatable decisions
- Iterative — challenge the status quo and improve constantly
- Curiosity — ask questions and learn continuously
Location & Employment Type
This role is based in Two Story, AZ. Employment type: Contract / Full time.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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