Material Planning Analyst 2

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Role Definition:

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented MRP Planner to join our supply chain and operations team. This role is responsible for the end-to-end planning and coordination of material procurement, production scheduling, and delivery processes to ensure timely fulfilment of manufacturing requirements. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in aligning material availability with production demands, optimizing inventory levels, and supporting global supply chain operations.

This position involves working closely with international suppliers, particularly from the Asia-Pacific and European regions, to manage the import of components. Additionally, the role requires regular interaction with customers based in the United States. As a result, the candidate must be flexible to work in shifts to accommodate time zone differences and ensure seamless communication and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute material planning strategies to ensure timely availability of components and raw materials required for production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including procurement, production, logistics, and customer service to align material flow with operational goals.
• Schedule and monitor production and delivery activities in accordance with established productivity and cost-efficiency standards.
• Coordinate the movement of materials within manufacturing facilities and oversee inventory transfers between warehouses and production units.
• Generate demand forecasts and manage replenishment planning to maintain optimal inventory levels and meet service level targets.
• Adjust material plans based on dynamic factors such as sales forecasts, customer orders, and production capacity constraints.
• Identify and resolve supply chain bottlenecks, delays, or disruptions that may impact production schedules or customer deliveries.
• Maintain accurate records of material requirements, planning parameters, and inventory transactions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance planning processes and supply chain performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Prior experience in material planning, production scheduling, or supply chain operations within a manufacturing environment is preferred.

Core Competencies and Skills

Decision Making & Critical Thinking

• Demonstrates advanced analytical capabilities and sound judgment in evaluating complex scenarios and making informed decisions.

Problem Solving

• Applies structured methodologies to identify root causes, develop solutions, and implement corrective actions across diverse operational challenges.

Relationship Management

• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to ensure seamless coordination and issue resolution.

Internal Resource Coordination

• Expert in synchronizing internal resources and activities to maximize operational efficiency and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP)

• Extensive experience in managing MRP processes, including capacity planning, material availability, and production sequencing.

Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP)

• Working knowledge of DRP principles and practices, including inventory distribution across multiple facilities and demand-driven replenishment.

Materials Handling & Management

• Familiarity with procedures for handling, storing, and transporting raw materials, including hazardous substances, in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Transportation (Manufacturing)

• Basic understanding of transportation logistics, including carrier selection, shipping documentation, and cost analysis.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications associated with the MRP Planner role. It may be subject to change based on evolving business needs and does not represent an exhaustive list of duties. The role may require shift work to support collaboration with international suppliers and customers across different time zones.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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