Material Planner

About the Role and Team

The Central Planning team forms the strategic backbone of Ather's commercial operations, managing forecasting and coordinating deliveries across the full product ecosystem. The Material Planner will lead this vital function, heading a dedicated team to design and implement material planning strategies effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and evaluate material flow processes from supply points to end use, covering finished products, service spares, components, sub-components, and plant maintenance parts.
• Balance Production, Service, and Inventory Planning in close partnership with the Supply Operations division.
• Create models that forecast long-term component demands considering various planning scenarios alongside OEM capacities.
• Analyze and manage multiple risk factors—domestic, global, internal, and external—affecting material planning to reduce impacts on supply, sales, and operations planning.
• Detect material management bottlenecks hindering production goals and initiate corrective measures. Own and drive the Inventory Turn Ratio KPI across the organization.
• Minimize the buildup of excess or obsolete inventory to reduce financial liabilities.
• Integrate Material and Inventory management processes effectively.
• Lead the execution of engineering changes within the supply chain function.
• Contribute actively to the refinement of material planning methodologies, benchmarking industry best practices, and aligning improvements with the Supply Chain Design team.
• Coordinate with stakeholders across all departments, through the Head of Department, to ensure smooth material forecasting and planning operations.
• Plan supplier capacity and develop ramp-up strategies to meet annual volume targets.
• Monitor and respond to global logistics challenges and geopolitical risks to safeguard production continuity.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial, Automobile, Production, or Mechanical Engineering from a Tier 1 institution.
• MBA from a Tier 1 institution or equivalent certifications such as CSCP, CPIM, CPSM, CSCM, IBF, or similar.
• 10 to 13 years of practical experience in Material Planning and Inventory Management.
• At least two professional references from the most recent two organizations, validating credentials and experience.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrable experience as a production planner.
• Strong understanding of production planning and quality control principles.
• Proficient in SAP modules including Order Management, SAP PP, and SAP MM.
• Hands-on experience with scheduling tools, APS, MES systems.
• Comfortable using MS Office or Google Office suites and ERP software.

Desired Skills

• Advanced expertise in SAP MM and PP modules.
• Previous exposure to manufacturing industry planning, inventory management, and analytics.
• Knowledge of various Bills of Materials, master data management, and lead time scheduling techniques.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and adapt to continuous changes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal capabilities.
• Proven leadership in managing, coaching, and developing material planning and scheduling teams.
• Champion adoption of advanced planning technologies such as AI forecasting and automated replenishment.

Additional Information

Ather Energy is the creator of India's first intelligent scooter, focusing on smart technology and clean design to revolutionize urban commuting. The company is expanding within India and preparing for global product launches. Current product lines include the Ather 450X, 450S, 450 Apex, and Rizta, alongside a developing charging network and enhanced ownership ecosystem.

The company embraces diversity and inclusivity, valuing differences and fostering an equitable work environment. It is committed to equal opportunity employment and supports a broad spectrum of identities, experiences, and perspectives united by a common mission.