Materials Analyst

Materials Analyst

Position Summary

The Materials Analyst is responsible for ensuring the availability of materials required to support production at the right time and cost while maximizing efficiency and minimizing supply chain risk. This role analyzes forecast data, production requirements, inventory levels, and vendor performance to coordinate material deliveries in advance of production demand.

The Materials Analyst works cross-functionally with Procurement, Receiving, Scheduling, Production, Finance, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to maintain material availability, prevent operational shortages, improve delivery performance, and support on-time production. The successful candidate demonstrates strong analytical skills, business acumen, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Materials Planning & Execution

• Plan, coordinate, and manage the procurement and delivery of materials required to support production demand.
• Analyze forecast data, production requirements, inventory levels, and supplier performance to determine material needs.
• Track material requirements and open orders to prevent operational shortages and production disruptions.
• Schedule material deliveries ahead of production demand and communicate potential constraints or risks.
• Coordinate and schedule required air freight shipments through approved internal software.
• Monitor delivery status, order accuracy, and material availability to support on-time production.

Supplier Coordination & Performance

• Work closely with suppliers to ensure the timely delivery, accuracy, and quality of materials.
• Attend daily meetings with suppliers and internal teams to review production requirements, vendor performance, delivery commitments, and risk mitigation actions.
• Identify and communicate supplier-related constraints, delays, or delivery risks.
• Follow up with suppliers regarding open orders and support resolution of material supply issues.
• Escalate supplier concerns affecting production schedules or operational continuity.

Systems, Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate vendor data and related information within SAP.
• Update spreadsheets and reports used by Production and Supply Chain to communicate material deliveries, constraints, and supply risks.
• Review material and vendor data to support decision-making and identify potential issues.
• Respond to ad hoc data requests from the Procurement team and other internal departments.
• Ensure data and reporting are complete, accurate, and provided in a timely manner.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Receiving, Scheduling, Production, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to coordinate material flow and support production requirements.
• Communicate material status, delivery risks, and constraints to appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Work with the Finance team to reconcile invoices and resolve discrepancies related to materials and supplier orders.
• Support supply chain processes and initiatives that improve efficiency, delivery performance, and risk management.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in materials planning, procurement, purchasing, supply chain, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience reviewing forecast, production, inventory, and supplier performance data.
• Experience coordinating material deliveries and communicating with suppliers.
• Experience processing orders and maintaining vendor information in an ERP system.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment preferred.
• Experience coordinating expedited or air freight shipments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review data, identify risks, and support effective decision-making.
• Understanding of material planning, procurement, inventory, and production support processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP software such as SAP, Epicor, or Oracle, with SAP experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records across multiple systems and reports.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and cross-functional internal teams.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to communicate supply constraints and delivery risks in a timely, professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and follow through on commitments.