Master Data Specialist

Master Data SpecialistBuckman – Memphis, TNLocation: Memphis, TNLanguage: EnglishTravel: up to 5%Buckman is a privately held, global specialty chemical company with headquarters in Memphis, TN, USA, committed to safeguarding the environment, maintaining safety in the workplace, and promoting sustainable development. Buckman delivers exceptional service and innovative solutions to our customers globally in the pulp and paper, leather, and water treatment sectors to help boost productivity, reduce risk, improve product quality, and provide a measurable return on investment.Position SummaryOwn and steward Buckman North America supply chain and manufacturing master data so that planning, scheduling, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and customer fulfillment operate on a single, accurate version of the truth.Key Outcomes/ResponsibilitiesOutcome: Reliable, audit-ready material master supporting planning and execution across 1,876 SKUs.Actions:Create and maintain material master records (FG, WIP, RM, PFR) with complete MRP, costing, storage, batch/QM, and logistics attributes; enforce naming, classification, and documentation standards.Run routine data-quality checks (completeness, duplicates, blocked/inactive, lead-time sanity, UoM consistency); correct defects and prevent recurrence through standards and training.Partner with planners/schedulers and plant SMEs to validate key planning parameters (lot size, safety stock, MRP type, procurement type, lead times, rounding values) and align to S&OP policies.Outcome: Fast, controlled change management for master data with predictable cycle time.Actions:Operate a transparent intake/triage workflow for master data requests (create/change/block) with defined SLAs by object type and criticality.Perform impact assessment for changes affecting supply, cost, labeling, regulatory/QM, and customer service; coordinate approvals with accountable owners.Maintain a change log and version control for critical objects (recipes/BOMs, routings, production versions, QM specs) to enable traceability and post-issue root cause analysis.Outcome: Master data that enables stable production scheduling and OTIF customer service.Actions:Ensure routings, work centers, production versions, and batch sizes reflect plant reality to support realistic promise dates and efficient sequencing.Maintain packaging and tolling attributes, alternative supply sources, and PFR relationships so supply planners can execute substitutions and allocations without data rework.Monitor execution exceptions tied to master data (MRP messages, ATP failures, batch determination/QM blocks) and eliminate top recurring causes.Outcome: Improved inventory health and working capital through accurate master data and governance.Actions:Maintain accurate shelf-life/expiration, batch management, storage conditions, and disposition rules to minimize write-offs and prevent shipment of nonconforming material.Support SLOB and red-tag programs by ensuring correct lifecycle status, obsolescence flags, and substitution rules; coordinate timely blocking/inactivation of obsolete SKUs.Validate planning parameters (safety stock, reorder points/ROP, rounding) and lead times using performance data to avoid chronic over/under stocking.Outcome: High-quality new product and raw material introduction (NPIP / NRIP) and transitions with 'right-first-time' data.Actions:Lead master data readiness for NPIP, NRIP and formula/labeling changes: create end-to-end objects (materials, BOM/recipes, routings, QM inspection plans/specs, packaging, GTIN/UoM) before first production.Coordinate cross-functional sign-offs (R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Planning, Customer Service) for new or changed SKUs.Provide cutover plans and data validation checklists for launches, transitions, and phase-outs to prevent order blocks and shipment errors.Outcome: Standardized data governance, ownership, and controls aligned to supply chain excellence practices.Actions:Define and maintain master data standards, RACI, and controls (field ownership, required documentation, approval matrix) consistent with APICS-aligned process governance.Develop training, job aids, and templates; coach requestors and plant SMEs to improve first-pass quality and reduce rework.Support audits and compliance reviews by providing evidence of approvals, change history, and control effectiveness.Outcome: Actionable visibility of master data performance and continuous improvement.Actions:Create and maintain dashboards/scorecards (defect rate, SLA attainment, top defect types, aging requests) using available analytics tools.Facilitate routine master data health reviews with Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, and Customer Service; drive corrective actions and systemic fixes.Identify automation opportunities (templates, validations, workflows) to reduce manual effort and error rates.Basic QualificationsEducation Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or relatedJob Experience: 2 - 3 yearsAPICS/ASCM CPIM required or obtained within 12 monthsERP / APS systems (SAP required)CompetenciesDrives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstancesCommunicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiencesBuild Networks - Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organizationManages Complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problemsPlans and Aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals