Material Planner, Tea & Ingredients

Company: Bigelow Tea
Location: Bridgeport
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Bigelow Tea is the number one specialty tea company in the United States. We are a family-owned and operated business and a Certified B Corporation. Being a certified B Corp officially recognizes a commitment that has been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded 80 years ago. Our purpose has always been about much more than making profits. We are committed to good citizenship, ethical business practices, accountability, transparency, protecting the environment, sustainability and supporting our communities. We pride ourselves in caring about each and every one of our employees. We have a long-term outlook and are constantly working to create an environment that inspires people to make positive contributions every day. Bigelow is currently looking for a select, talented individual, that shares our values, to join our growing team. Summary The Material Planner/Expeditor is an important business partner responsible for providing support for many aspects of Tea & Ingredient Procurement activity. The responsibilities include executing against a buy plan, managing internal customer service expectations, ensuring materials are accurately ordered, received, and expedited in a timely and efficient manner. Providing accurate and frequent reporting of supply chain metrics is an integral aspect of the role. Job Description Create and maintain Purchase Orders in our ERP system. Review MRP Purchase Order action messages for Expedite, De-expedite, Create and Cancel daily. Manage an optimal level of inventory for tea & ingredients based on company tea and ingredient plan. Manage ERP master data for tea and ingredients including MOQ, lead time, minimum balance, etc. Collaborate with the Supply Chain Planners to ensure tea and ingredients are available to support the blending schedule. Manage receipt and approval status pre-shipment samples. Monitor inbound material shipments by tracking containers by vessel and over the road trucks. Provide cost projections for inbound freight monthly. Develop and communicate inbound delivery schedules to the pertinent supply chain partners based on warehouse storage strategies and capacities. Maintain “Bigelow Buying Guide” for tea and ingredients, and review on a regular basis. Provide department metrics and reporting including but not limited to the total cost of ownership, cost reduction, on-time delivery, quality, and inventory. Manage/maintain Purchasing Agreements and Supplier Contracts within the ERP system. Monitor and resolve material delivery issues with suppliers. Other duties and projects assigned. Support the organizational Mission Statement. Skills Required A demonstrated ability to work within a fast-paced environment. Proven ability to work independently with exceptional follow up skills. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work efficiently within given parameters within scope of position. Ability to listen, have strong communication skills (written and verbal). Experience in purchase of materials, managing inventory levels against forecast in a manufacturing environment. Meticulous attention to details. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor degree is preferred. Ability to read, interpret and comprehend purchasing specifications for tea and ingredients. Highly proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel. Working knowledge of ERP systems. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment. Minimum of 0 to 3 years of experience in Supply Chain purchasing or inventory planning in a manufacturing environment. CPG company preferred. Travel Requirement As Needed Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Bigelow Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bigelow Tea does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

Keywords: Bigelow Tea, Hamden , Material Planner, Tea & Ingredients, Logistics, Transportation & Drivers , Bridgeport, Connecticut