Materials Planning Analyst

The Materials Planning Analyst is responsible for purchasing MRO supplies, services, and raw materials in support of manufacturing operations. This role sits between transactional buying and strategic procurement, supporting daily purchasing execution while contributing to sourcing, supplier management, and cost improvement initiatives. The Materials Planning Analyst works in an MRP-driven environment, collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, and builds effective supplier relationships to ensure material availability, cost control, and service performance.

Responsibilities

Execute purchase orders for MRO supplies, services, and raw materials in accordance with approved requirements; Manage order placement, confirmations, expediting, and delivery follow-up; Resolve purchasing, receiving, and invoice discrepancies to support an efficient procure-to-pay process; Maintain accurate pricing, supplier, and purchasing data within the ERP system; Utilize MRP signals to support raw material purchasing and replenishment decisions; Review planned orders, demand changes, and exception messages to ensure material availability; Collaborate with operations and planning teams to resolve MRP-driven supply issues; Assist with maintaining planning parameters including lead times, lot sizes, and safety stock; Support continuous improvement of MRP accuracy through data review and feedback; Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers across MRO and raw material categories; Serve as a day-to-day contact for assigned suppliers to resolve issues related to pricing, delivery, and service; Support supplier performance monitoring and corrective actions as needed; Assist senior buyers or leadership with supplier negotiations and sourcing activities; Support supplier onboarding, pricing updates, and documentation (terms, agreements, contracts); Analyze spending, pricing, and usage data to identify cost-saving and efficiency opportunities; Prepare bid comparisons, sourcing summaries, and recommendations; Monitor pricing trends, supply risks, and supplier performance metrics; Support procurement reporting and continuous improvement initiatives; Partner with Maintenance, Operations, Production, Planning, Engineering, and Finance teams; Translate operational and MRP requirements into clear purchasing actions; Communicate material risks, supply constraints, and procurement status proactively

Requirements

2–5 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain environment; Experience supporting MRO and/or raw material purchasing in a manufacturing or industrial environment; Working knowledge of MRP systems and concepts (planned orders, demand signals, lead times, safety stock); Experience working with ERP systems and purchase order workflows; Strong analytical and Excel skills; Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders; Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; MRP and planning awareness; Supplier and stakeholder relationship building; Analytical and problem-solving skills; Communicates with Purpose (conveys ideas clearly and respectfully, shares timely updates, encourages open dialogue); Builds Effective Relationships (builds trust, collaborates across departments, maintains respect under pressure); Creative and Critical Thinking (solves root issues, interprets data, improves processes, anticipates needs); Technical/Functional Expertise (demonstrates competence, stays current, leads with professionalism); Drives Results (focuses on priorities, fosters accountability, aligns team efforts); Manages People and Talent (develops team, addresses behavior, fosters growth and accountability); Operational Excellence (ensures safety, quality, efficiency, adaptability, and process improvement); Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), strong analytical and Excel skills

Benefits

Competitive salaried compensation; Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage); 401(k) with company matching; Leadership development and career growth opportunities; The ability to make a direct impact on safety, customer satisfaction, and operational performance; A collaborative, results-driven work environment