Operational Materials Planner Operational Materials Planner

Operational Materials Planner

The Operational Materials Planner serves as the primary, site-dedicated interface between an API manufacturing site and the API Raw Material Hub. This is an operational role focused on collecting, validating, and normalizing site-level demand and materials inputs into a single network view; executing material ordering and purchase order creation; and managing the day-to-day transactional interface with suppliers. The role ensures accurate, timely demand data flows into the central planning process and that buying and invoicing activities are executed efficiently across the network.

Detailed

Job Responsibilities:

• Own the completeness and timing of site-level demand and materials inputs, including collection and validation of standardized data from each API manufacturing site
• Normalize and aggregate site inputs into a single network view to support central materials planning
• Serve as the primary interface between API manufacturing sites and the Central Materials Planning function, ensuring clear, consistent communication and issue escalation
• Execute end-to-end transactional buying activities, including material ordering, purchase order creation and changes, deliver issue resolution, invoicing support, and supplier follow-up in alignment with the network materials plan
• Maintain accurate material ordering master data, including vendor records, material info records, source lists, and pricing conditions in SAP, ensuring data integrity supports clean purchase order execution across the network
• Act as the primary transactional interface with suppliers once demand is approved, managing day-to-day ordering, delivery, and documentation communications
• Resolve operational buying and planning issues with a sense of urgency, driving key KPIs related to transactional accuracy, on-time delivery, and supplier performance
• Contribute to network-level metrics and reporting by maintaining transactional data quality and supporting KPI tracking for buying accuracy, delivery performance, and demand intake timeliness
• Support automation and system-based improvements to streamline demand intake, purchase order processing, and supplier communication workflows

Quals:

Path/Level: P1-P3

Note:

Roles are posted at the lowest level of a band, however, employees should search across all levels of the band to identify all opportunities. Employees hired on banded positions (ex: P1-P3, R1-R2, B1-B3, etc.) transfer at their current level, despite the level indicated on the job posting.

The Global Materials Planning team enables reliable, scalable manufacturing through centralized materials forecasting, governance, and supplier alignment—translating site demand into network supply signals and integrating across Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, TSMS, Engineering, and Manufacturing Strategy to deliver a global, adaptable standard. Within this global framework, the API Raw Material Hub manages raw materials and GMP consumables across the API manufacturing network.

This structure enables a consistent, network-wide approach and a focused partnership with vendors, presenting one Lilly voice for API materials. The team is cross-functional and draws on expertise from Procurement, TSMS, Process Engineering, and Quality. Scope includes establishing centralized network-wide forecasting, enabling integrated network planning, inventory optimization, and supply risk mitigation. The team also supports raw material sourcing, with a focus on adding qualified vendors for raw materials and GMP consumables to ensure the network is adequately resourced.

Additional scope expansion is under consideration for the future.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline
• Prior internship or co-op experience in supply chain, procurement, or manufacturing operations is a plus but not required

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Power BI; SAP experience is a plus
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Interest in supply chain operations, materials management, or pharmaceutical manufacturing

Key Attributes:

• Operational Excellence:
  Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in transactional work. Takes pride in getting things right the first time and follows through reliably on all tasks.
• Business Knowledge:
  Eagerness to learn pharmaceutical supply chain operations. Looks for better, simpler ways to complete work and takes initiative. Demonstrates self-management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Learning Agility and Curiosity:
  Quick learner who is comfortable asking questions and building knowledge in a new domain. Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to take on new responsibilities as they arise.
• Positive Influence:
  Approaches issues constructively and collaboratively. Dependable and trusted to follow through on actions. Open to…