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 & ControlMaintain accurate inventory records for raw materials, WIP, intermediates, and finished goods within assigned manufacturing centersMonitor daily inventory transactions and investigate discrepancies between physical inventory and system recordsReconcile inventory variances and coordinate corrective actions with Operations, Warehousing, and Supply Chain teamsSupport inventory accuracy initiatives and continuous improvement effortsEnsure timely and accurate inventory movements within ERP and inventory management systemsMonitor inventory availability to support production schedules and escalate risks as neededCycle Counts & Physical InventoriesExecute and coordinate cycle count programs for designated inventory locationsPerform inventory audits and physical inventory verification activitiesInvestigate root causes of inventory discrepancies and develop corrective action recommendationsWork with manufacturing personnel to improve inventory control practices and transaction disciplineSupport annual physical inventory activities and inventory reconciliation effortsTrack cycle count effectiveness and inventory accuracy performance metricsWork-in-Process (WIP) ManagementMonitor WIP inventory throughout assigned manufacturing centersEnsure accurate reporting and tracking of production quantities and inventory statusInvestigate WIP imbalances, aging inventory, and production reporting discrepanciesAssist in maintaining optimal inventory levels between manufacturing processesSupport efforts to improve inventory flow and reduce unnecessary WIP accumulationProduction Planning SupportSupport Manufacturing Planners in maintaining accurate production schedules and inventory dataAssist with production order management, inventory transactions, and reporting activitiesMonitor material availability and communicate shortages or inventory concerns.Provide data and analysis to support production plan adjustmentsAssist in coordinating material movement and inventory staging activitiesData Integrity & System ManagementExecute inventory transactions accurately and in a timely manner within ERP/MRP systemsMaintain master data related to inventory locations, item status, and production reportingMonitor transactional accuracy and address system errors impacting inventory visibilityGenerate inventory and production reports for planners and operations leadershipEnsure compliance with inventory control procedures and company policiesBasic Qualifications:Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field preferredEquivalent combination of education and experience considered2+ years of experience in manufacturing, inventory control, production planning support, warehouse operations, materials management, or supply chain operationsExperience working in a manufacturing environment with raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventoriesExperience performing inventory reconciliations, cycle counts, and discrepancy investigations. Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably SAPExperience supporting production operations preferredMP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire. For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.