Planning Specialist, Manufacturing

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

The Planning Specialist supports manufacturing operations by managing inventory, performing cycle counts, and real-time resolution of inventory and production discrepancies within assigned manufacturing centers. Reporting to a Manufacturing Planner, this role coordinates with process, warehouse and planning teams to maintain inventory accuracy and production flow.

The Planning Specialist maintains inventory integrity across raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventories. They perform root cause investigations, identify discrepancies, coordinate inventory corrections, and help ensure production stays on schedule. This position plays a critical role in ensuring system inventory accurately reflects physical inventory on the manufacturing floor.

Position Responsibilities:

Inventory Management & Control Maintain accurate inventory records for raw materials, WIP, intermediates, and finished goods within assigned manufacturing centers

Monitor daily inventory transactions and investigate discrepancies between physical inventory and system records

Reconcile inventory variances and coordinate corrective actions with Operations, Warehousing, and Supply Chain teams

Support inventory accuracy initiatives and continuous improvement efforts

Ensure timely and accurate inventory movements within ERP and inventory management systems

Monitor inventory availability to support production schedules and escalate risks as needed

Cycle Counts & Physical Inventories Execute and coordinate cycle count programs for designated inventory locations

Perform inventory audits and physical inventory verification activities

Investigate root causes of inventory discrepancies and develop corrective action recommendations

Work with manufacturing personnel to improve inventory control practices and transaction discipline

Support annual physical inventory activities and inventory reconciliation efforts

Track cycle count effectiveness and inventory accuracy performance metrics

Work-in-Process (WIP) Management Monitor WIP inventory throughout assigned manufacturing centers

Ensure accurate reporting and tracking of production quantities and inventory status

Investigate WIP imbalances, aging inventory, and production reporting discrepancies

Assist in maintaining optimal inventory levels between manufacturing processes

Support efforts to improve inventory flow and reduce unnecessary WIP accumulation

Production Planning Support Support Manufacturing Planners in maintaining accurate production schedules and inventory data Assist with production order management, inventory transactions, and reporting activities

Monitor material availability and communicate shortages or inventory concerns.

Provide data and analysis to support…