Job Title: Material Planner | Richmond VA | Mon-Fri On-site | Pay $20-$25/hour Job Description The Material Planner is responsible for end-to-end inventory planning, from purchase requisition through to customer invoicing. In this role, you ensure materials are available to meet manufacturing requirements, maintain optimal inventory levels, and support internal customer service inquiries. You will use planning systems and ERP tools to set and maintain inventory parameters, collaborate closely with purchasing and supply chain teams, and drive continuous improvement in material availability and supplier performance. Responsibilities + Manage end-to-end planning of inventory from purchase requisition to customer invoice, ensuring timely and accurate material availability. + Support internal customer service inquiries by providing clear, timely information on inventory status, material availability, and order progress. + Define inventory policies based on specified segmentation to balance service levels, working capital, and operational efficiency. + Calculate and maintain key inventory parameters in planning systems and ERP platforms, including safety stock, reorder points, lot sizes, lead times, and replenishment strategies. + Monitor and analyze inventory levels to identify potential shortages and take proactive actions to prevent stockouts or production delays. + Assign valid shortage notifications to the Purchasing team and follow up to ensure appropriate corrective actions. + Review and troubleshoot inconsequential or incorrect system warnings, and adjust SAP parametrization as needed to improve planning accuracy. + Collaborate with buyers and the Purchasing team to achieve strong supplier performance in on-time delivery, minimum order quantities, quality, lead time, and flexibility. + Utilize SAP and other ERP tools to execute planning activities, generate reports, and maintain accurate material master and planning data. + Leverage data analysis tools such as Microsoft Power Query and Power BI (if available) to analyze inventory performance, identify trends, and support data-driven decision making. + Apply principles of inventory management and control to optimize stock levels, reduce excess inventory, and improve service levels. + Prepare and maintain documentation, reports, and metrics related to inventory planning, supplier performance, and material availability. Essential Skills + Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, or a related field. + Minimum 5 years of experience in material planning, purchasing, or supply chain. + Hands-on experience with SAP, including planning and production modules (such as SAP MM/PP). + Proven experience in inventory management and control, including setting and maintaining inventory parameters. + Proficiency with ERP systems for planning and inventory management. + Strong skills in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. + Ability to analyze potential material shortages and take proactive corrective actions. + Experience collaborating with purchasing and supplier management teams to improve supplier performance. + Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in working with planning data and system parameters. + Effective communication skills to support internal customer service and cross-functional collaboration. + Existing work authorization that permits employment in the United States. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Proficiency in Microsoft Power Query and Power BI for data analysis is preferred. + Experience using data analysis to monitor inventory performance and support continuous improvement. + Background in logistics or broader supply chain operations is beneficial. + Experience working within structured inventory policies and segmentation strategies. + Familiarity with best practices in supplier performance management, including on-time delivery, minimum order quantities, and lead time optimization. Work Environment This is a full-time, onsite position based in Richmond, VA, with standard working hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The role operates in a professional office and manufacturing-support environment that relies heavily on SAP, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office tools. You will work closely with supply chain, purchasing, and internal customer service teams, collaborating in a structured, data-driven setting focused on reliable material availability and efficient inventory management. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Richmond, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 13, 2026. About Aston Carter: 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 (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.