Planning Specialist, Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

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 production plan adjustments
• Assist in coordinating material movement and inventory staging activities

Data Integrity & System Management

• Execute inventory transactions accurately and in a timely manner within ERP/MRP systems
• Maintain master data related to inventory locations, item status, and production reporting
• Monitor transactional accuracy and address system errors impacting inventory visibility
• Generate inventory and production reports for planners and operations leadership
• Ensure compliance with inventory control procedures and company policies

Basic Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, inventory control, production planning support, warehouse operations, materials management, or supply chain operations
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment with raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventories
• Experience performing inventory reconciliations, cycle counts, and discrepancy investigations. 
• Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably SAP
• Experience supporting production operations preferred

MP 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 ziprecruiter.com; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.