MATERIAL PLANNERPort Elizabeth – Eastern CapeOur client in the automotive industry requires an experienced Material Planner to ensure that all production material are forecasted, ordered and supplied on time in accordance with the production plan and demand.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.Send monthly forecasting and releases to suppliers based on SAP demand.This incorporates manual transmission of releases, EDI transmission with certain Suppliers and through Supplier Network Collaboration (SNC) PortalCall in component stock in accordance with production plan from suppliers.Report any short supply or potential short supply to Supply Chain Manager and Master Production Scheduler.Reconcile all outstanding orders daily.Ensure that all changes are communicated to all suppliers timorously.Manage inbound shipment notifications on SAP and re-align/reschedule shipments where necessary.Liaise with Freight forwarders regarding collections and deliveries from foreign suppliers.Reconcile all outstanding orders prior to subsequent releases.Manage engineering changes and stock run outs.Continuously explore option to reduce component obsolescence.Update supplier rating monthly and supply purchasing with the score for each supplier.Manage importation files and ensure timorous submission to Supply Chain Manager for approval in line with agreed SOP’s from freight forwarders. (Import controllers)Liaise with Freight Forwarders regarding importation Parts Libraries for customs tariff completeness and accuracy.A new requirement is due to be introduced wrt customs clearance of all imports, which is to be part of this position's responsibility.Resolve supplier queries w.r.t delivery and invoicing.Expedite shortages daily.Education/Experience:Tertiary qualification in Supply Chain Management5 years + working experience within an automotive component manufacturing industry.Thorough and in-depth knowledge of shipping laws and processes.Strong SAP Material Control experience.Shipping Experience.MS Excel experience necessary.Strong communications skills are essential.