Material Planning & Inventory Specialist

Material Planning & Inventory Specialist

Job Description

Hybrid

Description:

The Material Planning & Inventory Specialist is responsible for ensuring material availability aligned with demand requirements while optimizing inventory levels, minimizing excess stock, and preventing shortages. The role bridges Procurement, Operations, Finance, and Suppliers to guarantee continuity of supply and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Material Planning
Develop and maintain material requirement plans based on demand forecasts, production schedules, and project timelines
Monitor material availability and ensure timely replenishment
Manage safety stock levels and reorder points
Analyze lead times and adjust planning parameters accordingly
Coordinate with Procurement to align purchase orders with planning needs

Inventory Management

Monitor inventory levels to prevent overstock and stockouts
Perform inventory analysis (slow-moving, obsolete, excess stock)
Optimize inventory turnover and working capital
Support physical inventory counts and reconciliation processes
Maintain accurate master data in ERP system

Supplier Coordination
Track supplier performance (OTIF, lead time adherence)
Collaborate with vendors to improve delivery reliability
Manage supply risks and escalate critical shortages
Last Mile management (organize calls with GCs and PMs to coordinate pickup dates and deliveries per trade)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
3+ years of experience in material planning, inventory control, or supply planning
Strong working knowledge of MRP systems and material replenishment processes
Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas, data modeling)
Hands-on experience with SAP (MM, PP, or related modules) or equivalent ERP system
Proven experience managing stock levels, reorder points, safety stock, and lead times
Solid understanding of inventory management principles and KPIs (Inventory Turns, DOH, Service Level, OTIF)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced analytical skills including forecasting analysis and inventory optimization
Knowledge of inventory optimization techniques
Experience in high-volume, multi-site, or retail distribution environments
Proven problem-solving capability using structured methodologies (5 Whys, Lean principles)
Experience collaborating cross-functionally with Procurement, Operations, and Finance
Power BI or advanced data visualization experience
Experience automating reporting processes (VBA, Python)
Continuous improvement mindset with demonstrated process enhancement initiative

Years of Experience: 3

Notes:
Hybrid (3days office)
Work hours: 40hours

Temp to perm

VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status