Material Planning Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Note: This position is a contract part-time opportunity 20/Hr/Wk, on-site in the Dayton, OH location.

***Upon pre-approval, limited remote/telework arrangement may be available for this position after sufficient on-site training has occurred.***

Looking for a  Material Requirements Planning Analyst 3to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Aerostructures business unit at located in Dayton, OH. The Material Requirements Planning (MRP) Analyst 3 is a highly experienced supply chain professional responsible for leading MRP activities across complex, high-volume manufacturing or distribution environments. This role serves as the internal subject matter expert for MRP systems and processes, driving improvements in inventory accuracy, supply continuity, and production efficiency.

The MRP Analyst 3 is responsible for ensuring the right parts and materials are available, in the correct quantities, at the right time, and in compliance with defense‐specific requirements. The role coordinates closely with engineering, procurement, production, and logistics to drive on‐time delivery while minimizing excess inventory and supporting cost‐avoidance initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

MRP Planning & Execution

• Own and manage the full MRP planning cycle, including net requirements calculation, planned order generation, and exception message resolution.
• Analyze and maintain MRP master data including bill of materials (BOM), item master parameters, lead times, lot sizes, safety stock levels, and reorder points.
• Monitor MRP output daily, prioritize action messages, and coordinate with buyers and schedulers to ensure timely material availability.
• Develop and maintain planning horizons, freeze periods, and MRP run frequencies aligned with business requirements.
• Lead root cause analysis for material shortages, excess inventory, and planning-related production disruptions, implementing corrective actions.

ERP System Management (SAP)

• Serve as a functional user and primary resource for managing SAP MRP planning, material control, procurement, and inventory modules.
• Configure and maintain SAP MRP parameters including planning codes, order policies, lead times, safety stock, and buyer/planner assignments.
• Execute and manage MRP processing runs within SAP, analyze planning exceptions, and coordinate resolution of system-generated action messages.
• Leverage SAP ERP (PP/MM modules) experience where applicable; support system integration, data migration, or dual-environment planning scenarios.
• Collaborate with IT and ERP administrators on system enhancements, patch testing, and implementation of new planning functionality across SAP applications.
• Train and support junior planners on SAP MRP transactions, best practices, and system navigation.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Develop and maintain advanced MS Excel models for demand forecasting, capacity analysis, inventory optimization, and KPI dashboards.
• Build and maintain reports using SAP reporting tools and custom queries; previous experience with SAP is a plus.
• Provide regular and ad hoc reporting to senior leadership on inventory turns, service levels, schedule attainment, and planning accuracy.
• Use data analysis to identify trends, forecast demand variability, and recommend changes to planning parameters.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field with 5+ years of progressive experience in production planning, materials management, or supply chain operations; or Master’s with 3+ years of likewise experience. 9 years of experience are required in lieu of a degree.
• Experience with SAP ERP in a production environment, including MRP, purchasing, and inventory management modules
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret large datasets and drive data-informed decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex supply chain data to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain US Government Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active US Government Secret security clearance
• APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) certification strongly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query, macros/VBA) and PowerPoint for executive presentations.
• Hands-on experience with SAP ERP (PP and/or MM modules) is strongly preferred; SAP
• Experience in high-mix/high-volume discrete or process manufacturing industries.
• Exposure to demand planning tools and statistical forecasting methods.