Lead Materials Planner – SAP & Inventory Optimization

A. O. Smith Corp; Tennessee; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

A.O. Smith Corp is seeking a senior-level Material Planner in Tennessee to lead complex planning, purchasing, and inventory optimization across multiple manufacturing locations. You will maintain SAP master data, drive SIOP support, and coordinate with sourcing teams to prevent disruptions.

The role requires 5+ years in material planning and strong knowledge of MRP, Kanban, and replenishment methods. Hybrid work arrangement offered with a focus on operational excellence and centralized process

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in material planning, purchasing, inventory management, or supply chain operations.
• Advanced experience with SAP planning and purchasing systems.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM certification is strongly preferred.
• Expert knowledge of MRP, inventory management, safety stock, Kanban and replenishment methodologies.
• Proven experience with inventory optimization and working-capital reduction initiatives.
• Experience leading cross-functional supply chain improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and purchasing activities for complex material portfolios across sites.
• Maintain advanced planning parameters and master-data strategy within SAP.
• Analyze supply requirements and capacity constraints to ensure material availability.
• Develop inventory optimization strategies balancing working capital, customer service, and operational risk.
• Lead resolution of critical supplier shortages and supply disruptions.
• Evaluate supplier performance trends and coordinate corrective actions with sourcing teams.
• Drive engineering change management and product transition activities.
• Develop and implement material planning process improvements and identify automation opportunities.
• Lead inventory reduction initiatives targeting excess and obsolete inventory.
• Analyze planning metrics, interpret business impact, and provide recommendations to management.
• Support SIOP and supply review processes by providing supply-risk assessments and planning insights.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for SAP planning functionality and inventory planning methodologies.
• Lead cross-functional projects involving supply chain optimization and standardization.
• Coach and mentor junior planners while providing technical guidance.
• Support organizational initiatives including centralization, standardization, and operational excellence programs.

Skills

Material planning

Purchasing

Inventory management

Supply chain operations

MRP

Cross-functional teamwork

Automation opportunities

Planning optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field

APICS/ASCM CPIM certification

Tools

SAP

Job description

A.O. Smith Corp is seeking a senior-level Material Planner in Tennessee to lead complex planning, purchasing, and inventory optimization across multiple manufacturing locations. You will maintain SAP master data, drive SIOP support, and coordinate with sourcing teams to prevent disruptions.

The role requires 5+ years in material planning and strong knowledge of MRP, Kanban, and replenishment methods. Hybrid work arrangement offered with a focus on operational excellence and centralized process