Material Planner - Scrap & Recycling Powder

About Kennametal

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Material Planner - Scrap & Recycling Powder

Location - Huntsville, AL

Job Summary

The Material Planner - Scrap & Recycling Powder is responsible for the safe, accurate, and compliant handling of scrap and recyclable powder materials at the Huntsville facility. This role supports manufacturing, environmental, and recycling objectives through proper material movement, inventory control, and documentation. The position requires strong attention to detail, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with operations and logistics teams.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the site subject matter expert (SME) for tungsten carbide scrap and recycling powder handling, including soft scrap, hard scrap, and buyback program materials.
• Provide end-to-end accountability for scrap and recycling material integrity, accuracy, and traceability from receipt through shipment and settlement.
• Own and oversee scrap and recycling material controls, ensuring accurate reconciliation between physical inventory, system inventory (SAP/Glovia), and financial buyback records.
• Lead and coordinate scrap and recycling activities across shifts and departments, serving as the primary escalation point for material discrepancies, delays, or compliance issues.
• Partner closely with the Program Manager, Tungsten Carbide Recycling, Supply Chain, EHS, Quality, and Finance to ensure alignment with program objectives, audit requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Review, validate, and approve scrap documentation, shipping records, and analysis results, ensuring accuracy prior to submission or external communication.
• Monitor and follow up on laboratory analysis timelines, proactively resolving delays or variances that may impact settlement, customer communication, or program metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement in scrap handling, segregation, packaging, and documentation processes to improve efficiency, yield, and compliance.
• Support internal and external audits related to hazardous materials, environmental compliance, and recycling programs; prepare documentation and act as a knowledgeable site representative during audits.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical direction to material handlers or support staff as needed, ensuring adherence to best practices and standard work.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions related to scrap and recycling powder handling.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to scrap volumes, recycling efficiency, inventory accuracy, and compliance performance.
• Exercise independent judgment and decision-making authority within defined policies to resolve operational issues and prioritize work without direct supervision.
• Represent the Huntsville facility as a trusted operational partner for carbide recycling initiatives, customer programs, and cross-functional projects in a team-based environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years in shipping, receiving, or material handling preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent record-keeping and attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• ERP system experience (SAP)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills

Required Licenses & Training

DOT/IATA/IMO hazardous material training required (company provided).

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Work is performed in an industrial environment with exposure to scrap and powder materials. Role requires standing, walking, lifting, and use of personal protective equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer