Material Planning Analyst

Caterpillar Inc.•Decatur, IL

2d•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. Material Planning Analyst Location: Decatur, IL Travel: Up to 5% Relocation Assistance: Available Visa Sponsorship: Not Available Job Summary Caterpillar is currently hiring multiple Material Planning Analysts in Decatur, Il. As a Material Planning Analyst, you will schedule, plan, and oversee material procurement, production, and delivery processes to support reliable operations and customer commitments. You’ll help ensure material requirements are met within the timeframes needed by coordinating material flow, managing replenishment planning, and supporting service level performance through practical planning and problem-solving.

Requirements

Material planning & replenishment: Ability to plan materials to meet program requirements and service levels (forecasting and replenishment planning).
Decision making & critical thinking: Organize relevant data, clarify priorities, and help assess alternatives, risks, and impacts.
Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP): Work with real-time inventory software; understand bottlenecks/delays and their cost impacts; support resolution of distribution and replenishment issues.
Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP): Understand material/capacity concepts, MRP cycles, and the role of bills of materials.
Planning & organizing: Estimate effort/time, manage shifting priorities, and apply a disciplined approach to issue identification and resolution.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.