Location:

Crystal Lake, Schedule:

Full Time/1st Shift - Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm About RITA Corporation RITA Corporation has been a trusted supplier to the personal care, cosmetics, and home care industries for over 70 years. Headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois, we specialize in specialty ingredients, raw materials, innovation, and customer-focused solutions that support leading brands across the industry. We are committed to quality, collaboration, innovation, and creating a positive workplace where employees can grow and succeed. Position Summary RITA Corporation is seeking a Material Planner to join our team! The Material Planner is responsible for planning and coordinating the availability of raw materials and packaging required to support production and customer demand. This position works closely with Purchasing, Production, Warehouse, Customer Service, and other departments to ensure materials are available when needed while maintaining appropriate inventory levels. The Material Planner manages material requirements for raw ingredients and other materials sourced from both domestic and international suppliers. The role requires close monitoring of inventory, forecasts, production requirements, supplier lead times, purchase orders, and inbound shipments, including materials with extended international lead times. The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Relationship Building and Vendor Management
• Organization and Time Management
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Business Acumen
• Accountability and Dependability
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning Key Responsibilities Review production schedules, forecasts, customer demand, inventory levels, and open purchase orders to determine material requirements.

Develop and maintain material plans to ensure raw ingredients and packaging are available to meet production needs. Monitor inventory levels and identify potential shortages, excess inventory, or materials at risk of becoming obsolete. Determine appropriate order timing and quantities based on demand, lead times, minimum order quantities, safety stock requirements, and existing inventory. Create and maintain routine purchase orders and purchase releases with approved suppliers within established pricing, contracts, and purchasing guidelines. Monitor open purchase orders and supplier commitments to ensure materials arrive according to required delivery dates. Follow up with domestic and international suppliers regarding order confirmations, production status, shipping dates, delays, and changes to expected delivery. Maintain accurate expected receipt dates and other purchasing and planning information within the ERP system. Account for longer international lead times, ocean transit, customs clearance, holidays, port delays, and other potential supply disruptions when developing material plans. Coordinate with the Import/Export or Logistics function regarding international freight status and anticipated arrival dates. Identify potential material shortages or supply disruptions early and escalate risks to the Purchasing Manager and appropriate departments. Communicate material availability and potential constraints to Production, Customer Service, Sales, Warehouse, and other affected departments. Work with Production to adjust material priorities when production schedules or customer requirements change. Monitor supplier delivery performance and communicate recurring service or lead-time issues to the Purchasing Manager. Support inventory optimization efforts by balancing material availability with inventory carrying costs and working-capital objectives. Review slow-moving and excess raw material inventory and assist in developing appropriate action plans. Assist with cycle counts, inventory reconciliation, and investigation of material discrepancies as needed. Maintain accurate supplier lead times, minimum order quantities, order multiples, safety-stock parameters, and other planning data. Support new product introductions, material changes, supplier transitions, and discontinuations by coordinating material requirements and timing. Work with Quality and Technical Services when materials are subject to quality holds, specification changes, approval requirements, or other restrictions. Provide material availability, shortage, inventory, and purchasing reports as requested. Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

• Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in material planning, purchasing, production planning, supply chain, or a related role.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Experience purchasing or planning raw materials, chemicals, ingredients, or other bulk manufacturing materials preferred.
• Experience working with both domestic and international suppliers preferred.
• Understanding of inventory planning concepts including lead times, safety stock, reorder points, minimum order quantities, and demand forecasting.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to changing production and customer requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across Purchasing, Production, Warehouse, Customer Service, Quality, Technical Services, and other departments. Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, and scanners.
• Requires the ability to review purchasing reports, supplier documentation, contracts, and electronic records.
• Occasional travel may be required to visit suppliers, attend industry events, or support business needs.

Benefits Eligible employees may participate in: Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with 5% company match Paid time off and holidays Employer-paid life and disability insurance Bonus opportunities Professional development opportunities Why Join RITA? At RITA Corporation, employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work within a collaborative and growing organization. We value innovation, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement RITA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Third-Party Recruiter Notice RITA Corporation does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. Recruiters and agencies should not contact hiring managers, employees, or Human Resources directly regarding open positions unless a current signed agreement is in place. Any unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted to RITA Corporation will become the property of the Company, and no placement fees will be paid.

Pay:

$65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching AD&D insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person