Job Summary
Under minimal supervision and in accordance with Cummins Delegation of Authority Policy, the Material Planner determines material requirements and order timing needed to support production schedules and customer demand. The role is responsible for planning, scheduling, and expediting materials to ensure uninterrupted production while optimizing inventory levels, maintaining data accuracy, and supporting operational excellence. The Material Planner collaborates closely with suppliers, purchasing, manufacturing, quality, and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of materials and effective resolution of supply-related issues.
Key Responsibilities
Material Planning & Delivery
- Analyze demand requirements and determine material quantities and order dates required to support production schedules and customer orders.
- Create and manage purchase orders and work orders to align with approved demand plans.
- Monitor material availability and proactively expedite purchase or production orders to prevent shortages.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels while balancing cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
- Collaborate with suppliers, purchasing teams, manufacturing, and logistics to resolve supply chain disruptions and ensure continuity of operations.
- Review material requirements planning (MRP) outputs and take appropriate actions to support production needs.
Inventory Management
- Support inventory optimization initiatives by managing stock levels, safety stock parameters, and replenishment strategies.
- Perform regular reviews of inventory health and identify opportunities to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
- Participate in cycle count investigations and inventory accuracy improvement activities.
Data Management & Process Excellence
- Maintain accurate planning master data, including lead times, order quantities, supplier information, and replenishment parameters.
- Perform quality checks on material planning master data and support Plan for Every Part (PFEP) initiatives.
- Utilize planning systems and analytical tools to improve material flow and planning effectiveness.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning accuracy, inventory performance, and operational efficiency.
Quality
- Follow applicable standard work processes, quality procedures, and process documentation.
- Partner with Quality teams to ensure timely disposition and resolution of non-conforming materials.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to material planning issues.
Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)
- Comply with all Cummins HSE policies, procedures, standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Report work-related injuries, illnesses, incidents, hazards, and near misses.
- Participate in required HSE training and promote a safe working environment.
- Support initiatives that contribute to environmental sustainability and workplace safety.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding material status, risks, and recovery plans.
- Participate in cross-functional meetings to support production planning, supplier performance management, and inventory reviews.
- Provide planning insights and recommendations to improve supply chain performance.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
- APICS/CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent supply chain certification preferred.
Skills
- Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Supply Chain Planning & Inventory Management
- Production Scheduling
- Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Supplier Coordination and Expediting
- Inventory Optimization
- Data Analysis and Problem Solving
- ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)
- Continuous Improvement Methodologies
- PFEP (Plan for Every Part)
- Root Cause Analysis
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management
- Attention to Detail and Data Accuracy
- Decision Making and Prioritization
Experience
- 2–5 years of experience in Materials Planning, Supply Planning, Inventory Management, Procurement, Supply Chain Operations, or a related field.
- Experience coordinating with suppliers and managing material flow in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
- Hands-on experience using ASCP, MRP, ERP, or other supply chain planning systems.
- Experience in aftermarket planning and supply chain analytics preferred.
- Proven ability to analyze supply chain KPIs, manage inventory performance, and drive process improvements.
- Experience working in cross-functional teams to resolve supply chain challenges and improve operational performance.