Planning Specialist, Manufacturing

MP Materials Corp.•Fort Worth, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Planning Specialist supports manufacturing operations by managing inventory, performing cycle counts, and real-time resolution of inventory and production discrepancies within assigned manufacturing centers. Reporting to a Manufacturing Planner, this role coordinates with process, warehouse and planning teams to maintain inventory accuracy and production flow. The Planning Specialist maintains inventory integrity across raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventories. They perform root cause investigations, identify discrepancies, coordinate inventory corrections, and help ensure production stays on schedule. This position plays a critical role in ensuring system inventory accurately reflects physical inventory on the manufacturing floor.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in manufacturing, inventory control, production planning support, warehouse operations, materials management, or supply chain operations
Experience working in a manufacturing environment with raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventories
Experience performing inventory reconciliations, cycle counts, and discrepancy investigations.
Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably SAP

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field preferred
Equivalent combination of education and experience considered
Support for production operations preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate inventory records for raw materials, WIP, intermediates, and finished goods within assigned manufacturing centers
Monitor daily inventory transactions and investigate discrepancies between physical inventory and system records
Reconcile inventory variances and coordinate corrective actions with Operations, Warehousing, and Supply Chain teams
Support inventory accuracy initiatives and continuous improvement efforts
Ensure timely and accurate inventory movements within ERP and inventory management systems
Monitor inventory availability to support production schedules and escalate risks as needed
Execute and coordinate cycle count programs for designated inventory locations
Perform inventory audits and physical inventory verification activities
Investigate root causes of inventory discrepancies and develop corrective action recommendations
Work with manufacturing personnel to improve inventory control practices and transaction discipline
Support annual physical inventory activities and inventory reconciliation efforts
Track cycle count effectiveness and inventory accuracy performance metrics
Monitor WIP inventory throughout assigned manufacturing centers
Ensure accurate reporting and tracking of production quantities and inventory status
Investigate WIP imbalances, aging inventory, and production reporting discrepancies
Assist in maintaining optimal inventory levels between manufacturing processes
Support efforts to improve inventory flow and reduce unnecessary WIP accumulation
Support Manufacturing Planners in maintaining accurate production schedules and inventory data
Assist with production order management, inventory transactions, and reporting activities
Monitor material availability and communicate shortages or inventory concerns.
Provide data and analysis to support production plan adjustments
Assist in coordinating material movement and inventory staging activities
Execute inventory transactions accurately and in a timely manner within ERP/MRP systems
Maintain master data related to inventory locations, item status, and production reporting
Monitor transactional accuracy and address system errors impacting inventory visibility
Generate inventory and production reports for planners and operations leadership
Ensure compliance with inventory control procedures and company policies