Job Description

Company Overview

Kindred is a rapidly growing, venture backed start-up focused on unlocking the conversion of gasoline vehicles to electric using our technology and scale.

We are marketing folks, technicians, software developers, mechanical engineers, designers, painters, and car lovers. We love a whiff of gasoline and we geek out about the torque provided by electric motors. Above all we believe the world is a better place with vintage cars out on the road.

We strive to create a meaningful workplace at Kindred, which means something different for each of our team members. For some, it’s getting these immortal vehicles on the road. For others it’s the portion of revenue we donate to our local community for every vehicle sold. For many at Kindred, it’s the inclusive work environment we’ve created.

Our cars create joyful experiences for our customers and immense pride for our team. If you can match our passion, values, and work ethic, we want you!

Position Summary

As the Materials Planner, you will lead production scheduling and material planning across our California facility, ensuring materials and resources are aligned to support build plans.

You thrive in a startup environment—identifying process gaps, articulating challenges, driving decision-making, and championing changes that increase efficiency and deliver results.

The ideal candidate has strong experience using ERP systems to manage production plans and inventory flow through all stages of manufacturing. They are comfortable creating order management tools and reports that provide actionable insight across procurement, engineering, production, and finance —keeping stakeholders informed and schedules on track.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Publish and maintain the Manufacturing Schedule, coordinating with Production, Warehouse, and Procurement to align resources and capacity weekly.
• Issue Manufacturing Orders (MOs) to production work centers and Work Orders (WOs) to warehouse for kitting and picks on a weekly cadence.
• Own daily order management — monitor part availability, lead times, and fulfillment to ensure uninterrupted production flow.
• Partner with Production and Warehouse teams to ensure efficient material movement through WIP.
• Track and report order status weekly, providing clear visibility into open, late, and at-risk orders across stakeholders.
• Handle exceptions and shortages proactively, resolving BOM mismatches, unplanned demand, and system discrepancies.
• Spot-buy material shortages in coordination with the Buyer/Procurement to expedite critical parts as needed to support production.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Procurement on ECOs, NPIs, and sourcing timelines, ensuring clean handoffs and material readiness.
• Partner with Finance to support accurate COGS reporting, investigate production variances, and maintain integrity of WIP and Finished Goods inventory.
• Utilize ERP and PLM tools (e.g., Fishbowl, Arena) to generate actionable reports and maintain data integrity.
• Continuously improve planning processes, material flow, and scheduling cadence based on production feedback and data.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 4-6 year’s experience in materials management, production planning, inventory control, or supply chain roles, preferably in manufacturing or production environments.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain principles, inventory management techniques, and material planning strategies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in ERP/WMS systems and tools, with experience in system implementation or improvement.
• Solid understanding of lean principles and experience driving process improvement initiatives.
• Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to guide and develop teams effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of safety and regulatory compliance standards related to material management.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

The work environment may include exposure to noise, fumes, and heat. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in accordance with safety regulations.

Walking, sitting, standing, bending, and stooping. Lifting, carrying, or pushing/pulling supplies, materials, equipment and/or items weighing up to 75 pounds. Clean and well-organized unconditioned shop environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but at times requires ear plugs, use of eye protection, and/or occasional use of a respirator.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

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