Materials Planner / Account Manager

MSI Express is a single-source contract manufacturing and packaging company, delivering innovative engineering solutions from our strategically located network of manufacturing facilities.

ROLE PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY

The Account Manager is responsible for managing and maintaining strong relationships with customers, ensuring timely and accurate processing of orders, and overseeing the efficient flow of materials to meet customer demand. This role involves collaboration with internal teams, such as production, logistics, and quality control, to ensure efficient plant operations and exceptional customer satisfaction.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Relationship Management

Build and nurture strong, long-lasting relationships with customers

Understand customer needs, preferences, and expectations to provide personalized service

Ensure customer reports and information are accurate and communicated to customer in a timely fashion

Interface into customer reporting systems (i.e., SAP, Oracle for scheduling, production, -most times by lot control), shipping, receiving, and managing procurement of customer owned raw materials for specific customer assigned

Assist in new product launches, collaborate with commercialization team, and site team to meet with timelines and other targets

Handle customer issues & complaints by referring the issue to the appropriate department & logging them onto the system. Follow up to resolution

Order Processing

Receive and process customer orders accurately and efficiently

Verify order details, including quantities, specifications, and delivery schedules

Prepare job files and project specifications for internal processing and manufacturing for specific customer assigned

Track order fulfillment & communicate shorts to our customers with information on when product will be available

Material Inventory Management

Participate in material planning process

Drive change in managing inventory levels and inventory turns and minimizing obsolescence, scrap, aged inventories, and inventory reserves

Analyze production yield, material usage, and material loss data to understand customer/material impacts

Coordinate with production and procurement teams to ensure optimal inventory levels

Supply Chain Coordination

Collaborate with internal supply chain teams to ensure timely procurement of raw materials and ingredients

Oversee the supply of raw and packaging materials (whether customer or organization owned) for the facility to include new production to meet production schedules

Coordinate with logistics teams to facilitate on-time deliveries to customers

Problem-Solving

Identify and address customer-related supply chain issues promptly and effectively

Resolve order discrepancies, shipping delays, or quality concerns in collaboration with relevant teams

Communication

Maintain clear and open communication with customers regarding order status, changes, and potential issues

Collaborate cross functionally with internal teams to convey customer requirements and expectations

Negotiation and Contract Management

Negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with customers

Manage contracts and agreements to ensure compliance with terms and conditions

Data Analysis

Utilize data and analytics to track order performance, customer buying patterns, and inventory levels

Provide insights to management for strategic decision-making

Quality Focus

Ensure that materials and products meet quality control standards before delivery to customers

Collaborate with quality control teams to address and resolve any quality issues

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements within customer material account management

Stay informed about industry trends and best practices

Participate and assist in development of new, effective programs/policies for customer, supplier, transportation, and logistics management in conjunction with Supply Chain and plant leadership

Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS/ CAPABILITY PROFILE

Minimum Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Minimum Experience

Four plus (4+) years of experience in purchasing or material planning, purchasing, materials management

Food manufacturing experience

Demonstrated track record in improving inventory accuracy, driving inventory reduction strategies and reducing premium freight

Strong Math and Typing Skills

Basic level of business acumen, strong attention to detail and analytical skills

Minimum Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

Working knowledge of manufacturing, material flow and improvement strategies and the ability to integrate those into the operation

Excellent organizational and people skills, project management skills, with an ability to openly convey information to team members in a timely, concise manner

Understanding of applicable computer systems, such as Microsoft Office, Nulogy, Tableau, etc.

Leadership

Budget Management

Vendor/Contractor Management

Metric Development

Ability to identify and propose potential solutions to production

Demonstrated Understanding of Materials Management

MSI Express is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

- Inc. 5000 #124 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2025)

- Inc. 5000 #10 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #165 fastest growing company in the Midwest. (2021)

- Inc. 5000 #1,085 fastest growing company in the USA. (2023)

- Inc. 5000 #622 fastest growing company in the USA. (2022)

- Inc. 5000 #479 fastest growing company in the USA. (2021)