Material Planning Analyst

Summary: Caterpillar Inc. is a global leader in manufacturing and supply chain solutions, dedicated to building sustainable communities. The Material Planning Analyst will schedule, plan, and oversee material procurement, production, and delivery processes, ensuring that material requirements are met efficiently to support reliable operations and customer commitments. Responsibilities: - Participate in scheduling production and delivery processes in line with productivity and cost-efficiency standards - Develop and execute material planning for a product line, ensuring material requirements for assigned programs are met within the allocated timeframe - Organize the flow of materials within the manufacturing unit, including transferring materials to/from inventory or warehouse locations - Generate forecasts and manage replenishment planning for parts and materials to help achieve specified service levels - Use planning data to identify constraints, prioritize needs, and support resolution of material availability issues, escalating when risks to schedule or service levels arise - Support distribution planning activities by helping ensure supplies move where needed, when needed, using available inventory planning tools and processes Required Qualifications: - Ability to plan materials to meet program requirements and service levels (forecasting and replenishment planning) - Organize relevant data, clarify priorities, and help assess alternatives, risks, and impacts - Work with real-time inventory software; understand bottlenecks/delays and their cost impacts; support resolution of distribution and replenishment issues - Understand material/capacity concepts, MRP cycles, and the role of bills of materials - Estimate effort/time, manage shifting priorities, and apply a disciplined approach to issue identification and resolution Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in a manufacturing environment supporting production schedules and material availability - Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems - Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups) and comfort working with planning datasets - Familiarity with inventory management concepts (safety stock, lead times, reorder points, service levels) - Exposure to continuous improvement / Lean problem-solving methods - APICS/ASCM coursework or certifications - Degree or equivalent experience desired Required Skills: Material planning, Replenishment planning, Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP), Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP), ERP systems, Excel, Inventory management, Lean problem-solving, Organizing, Decision making, Planning Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.), 401(k) savings plans, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Lifestyle Programs, Employee Assistance Program, Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts, Career Development, Incentive bonus, Disability benefits, Life Insurance, Parental leave, Adoption benefits, Tuition Reimbursement, These benefits also apply to part-time employees