Materials Planning Specialist

The Materials Planning Specialist supports the end-to-end supply chain operations, including logistics planning and execution, ensuring reliable production scheduling, raw material availability, inventory optimization, and customer fulfillment. This role uses advanced techniques, forecasting models, and cross-functional collaboration to drive efficiency, minimize cost, and maintain compliance with chemical industry standards and regulatory requirements. This role serves as a key advisor to the Supply Chain Manager on complex operational challenges and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Optimize raw material, work-in-process, and finished goods inventory to balance service levels and working capital.
• Monitor raw material consumption and shelf-life constraints; mitigate risks of shortages or obsolescence.
• Develop safety stock and reorder point modeling for critical materials and intermediates.

• Assist in creation and maintenance of production schedules for batch, continuous, or specialty chemical lines.
• Coordinate with Operations, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure schedule feasibility and compliance with safety regulations.
• Monitor schedule adherence and drive improvements in throughput and cycle time.

• Coordinate import and export shipments across air, ocean and ground transportation while ensuring timely delivery and compliance with global trade regulations.
• Review distribution performance and optimize freight, warehousing, and outbound logistics.
• Ensure transportation of hazardous materials complies with domestic and international regulations.
• Improve customer service metrics through root-cause analysis of delays and shipment constraints.
• Analyze supplier performance (OTIF, lead times, quality issues) and support sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with procurement on long-lead and hazardous chemical planning to prevent disruptions.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives and contract negotiations with data-driven insights.

• Build dashboards and KPIs for production, inventory, procurement, and service levels.
• Use advanced tools (Excel, Power BI, ERP data) to model scenarios and support decision-making.
• Prepare monthly reporting packages for leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field required.
• APICS/CSCP certification preferred.

• 3+ years of supply chain or operations planning experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, or similar).

• Advanced Excel (Power Query, VBA a plus), Power BI or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with statistical forecasting models and supply chain planning tools.
• Understanding of chemical handling regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.).
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage complex data sets and translate insights into operational actions.
• Attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.