Material Planning Analyst

Caterpillar•East Peoria, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. As a Material Planning Analyst, you will serve as a key link between Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, and Operations teams. This role is responsible for planning and coordinating the flow of materials into, through, and out of multiple manufacturing value streams, ensuring production teams have the right materials at the right time to meet customer demand. From fabricated and machined components used in Track-Type Tractors to interplant shipments supporting multiple Caterpillar products and divisions world-wide, you will help drive execution across the entire material flow process while balancing inventory, production schedules, and operational priorities.

Requirements

Degree or equivalent experience.
Experience in manufacturing, supply chain, material planning, production scheduling, operations, logistics, or inventory management environments.
Knowledge of ERP-driven demand planning and material planning systems such as SAP, MACH1, or similar platforms.
Experience using Power BI, reporting tools, or data analytics to identify trends and drive decision-making.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and develop recovery plans when supply or production disruptions occur.
Understanding of manufacturing value streams, material flow processes, and inventory control principles.
Experience coordinating interplant shipments, supplier deliveries, or complex material movement activities.
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive action without direct authority.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility across all levels of the organization.
Experience supporting fabricated, machined, welded, painted, or assembly-based manufacturing operations.
Background in production scheduling, capacity planning, or manufacturing execution is highly desired.

Nice To Haves

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Evaluates complex information, analyzes alternatives, and makes informed decisions that balance business objectives, risks, and long-term organizational impact.
Problem Solving: Leads the identification, analysis, and resolution of complex business and operational challenges through structured problem-solving methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong, productive relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to drive collaboration, resolve issues, and achieve business objectives.
Internal Resource Coordination: Effectively aligns people, processes, and resources across functions to optimize collaboration, improve execution, and support organizational goals.
Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP): Utilizes inventory and distribution planning processes to ensure materials and products are available at the right locations to support operational and customer demand.
Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP): Coordinates production schedules, material availability, and capacity planning to ensure manufacturing operations meet demand and delivery requirements.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute material plans for assigned production lines and value streams to ensure all material requirements for prime product assembly, interplant component shipments, and aftermarket demand are met.
Coordinate the flow of materials throughout all aspects of manufacturing areas including machining, welding, paint, assembly, warehouse, and shipping operations.
Monitor material availability, inventory levels, and production requirements while proactively identifying and resolving supply chain constraints.
Participate in production scheduling and delivery planning activities to support productivity, quality, and cost objectives.
Generate forecasts and manage replenishment planning for parts and resources to maintain required service levels.
Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, and Supply Chain partners to ensure alignment between production demand and material availability.
Support outbound shipments and interplant material transfers that provide components to other Caterpillar facilities and product groups.
Analyze ERP demand signals and planning data to identify risks, support recovery planning initiatives, and develop solutions to maintain uninterrupted production.
Utilize data analytics and visualization tools to communicate material status, inventory trends, risks, and recovery plans to stakeholders.
Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance inventory performance, material flow efficiency, and operational execution.