Material Planner/Analyst

Tenneco•Blacksburg, VA

About The Position

The Material Planner/Analyst plans, analyzes, and coordinates the flow of materials needed to support production operations and customer requirements at the Blacksburg facility. The role works closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to maintain material availability, control inventory, and minimize supply disruptions. It requires analytical skills, attention to detail, and proactive identification of material shortages, changes in demand, inventory concerns, and supplier issues. The position operates in both an office and manufacturing-floor environment. Occasional travel to suppliers or other company locations may be required. Employees are expected to follow applicable local work instructions, procedures, quality requirements, the Tenneco Integrity Policy, the Quality Manual, and applicable IATF 16949 requirements. The job description may be modified based on business needs.

Requirements

Two to three or more years of experience in materials planning, materials management, purchasing, procurement, inventory control, or a related supply-chain function in a manufacturing environment.
Experience using ERP/MRP systems is required.
Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
Strong Microsoft Excel and general computer skills.
Ability to analyze inventory, demand, usage, and supply data.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple requirements in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Excellent follow-up and attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional plant teams.
Ability to identify problems, determine root causes, and drive corrective actions.
Results-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency and accountability.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant manufacturing or materials experience may be considered.
Automotive manufacturing experience is preferred.
APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification is a plus.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and Constraint Management/Visual Pull principles is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain material plans aligned with production schedules and customer demand.
Monitor raw material, component, and supply requirements to ensure materials are available when needed.
Review inventory levels, usage, safety stock, lead times, and planning parameters.
Analyze demand and usage trends and adjust material plans as requirements change.
Identify potential material shortages and coordinate actions to minimize production disruptions.
Place and monitor purchase orders and follow up with suppliers regarding delivery commitments.
Work with suppliers to resolve shortages, late deliveries, backorders, and other supply concerns.
Monitor supplier performance, including delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
Partner with production planners, schedulers, purchasing, logistics, engineering, and quality to resolve material-flow issues.
Maintain accurate material, purchasing, lead-time, and planning information within ERP/MRP systems.
Analyze inventory performance and supply-chain KPIs and recommend opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce cost.
Support inventory-control activities and initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete material.
Assist with new-product launches and engineering changes by ensuring material readiness and accurate planning.
Coordinate with logistics to support inbound material requirements.
Support continuous-improvement initiatives related to material flow, inventory management, supply-chain performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
Communicate material risks and recovery plans to plant leadership and cross-functional teams.