Master Data Specialist

Buckman; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckman, located in Memphis, TN, is seeking a Master Data Specialist to oversee supply chain and manufacturing master data. This role ensures accurate data governance for effective planning, scheduling, and customer fulfillment across SKUs.

Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related fields, with experience using ERP/APS systems, particularly SAP. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage complex information effectively.

This opportunity offers a chance to contribute to innovative solutions in a global specialty chemical company.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of job experience required.
• Knowledge of supply chain management best practices.
• Experience with data governance and quality management.

Responsibilities

• Steward master data management for accurate planning and scheduling.
• Conduct data quality checks and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for change management.
• Maintain dashboards for monitoring master data performance.

Skills

Result-oriented

Effective communication

Networking

Problem-solving

Planning and alignment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related

APICS/ASCM CPIM certification

Tools

ERP / APS systems (SAP required)

Job description

Master Data Specialist

Buckman–Memphis, TN

Location: Memphis, TN

Language: English

Travel: up to 5%

Buckman is a privately held, global specialty chemical company with headquarters in Memphis, TN, USA, committed to safeguarding the environment, maintaining safety in the workplace, and promoting sustainable development. Buckman delivers exceptional service and innovative solutions to our customers globally in the pulp and paper, leather, and water treatment sectors to help boost productivity, reduce risk, improve product quality, and provide a measurable return on investment.

Position Summary

Own and steward Buckman North America supply chain and manufacturing master data so that planning, scheduling, procurement, manufacturing, quality, and customer fulfillment operate on a single, accurate version of the truth.

Key Outcomes & Responsibilities

Outcome: Reliable, audit-ready material master supporting planning and execution across 1,876 SKUs.

Actions

• Create and maintain material master records (FG, WIP, RM, PFR) with complete MRP, costing, storage, batch/QM, and logistics attributes; enforce naming, classification, and documentation standards.
• Run routine data‑quality checks (completeness, duplicates, blocked/inactive, lead‑time sanity, UoM consistency); correct defects and prevent recurrence through standards and training.
• Partner with planners/schedulers and plant SMEs to validate key planning parameters (lot size, safety stock, MRP type, procurement type, lead times, rounding values) and align to S&OP policies.

Outcome: Fast, controlled change management for master data with predictable cycle time.

Actions

• Operate a transparent intake/triage workflow for master data requests (create/change/block) with defined SLAs by object type and criticality.
• Perform impact assessment for changes affecting supply, cost, labeling, regulatory/QM, and customer service; coordinate approvals with accountable owners.
• Maintain a change log and version control for critical objects (recipes/BOMs, routings, production versions, QM specs) to enable traceability and post‑issue root cause analysis.

Outcome: Master data that enables stable production scheduling and OTIF customer service.

Actions

• Ensure routings, work centers, production versions, and batch sizes reflect plant reality to support realistic promise dates and efficient sequencing.
• Maintain packaging and tolling attributes, alternative supply sources, and PFR relationships so supply planners can execute substitutions and allocations without data rework.
• Monitor execution exceptions tied to master data (MRP messages, ATP failures, batch determination/QM blocks) and eliminate top recurring causes.

Outcome: Improved inventory health and working capital through accurate master data and governance.

Actions

• Maintain accurate shelf‑life/expiration, batch management, storage conditions, and disposition rules to minimize write‑offs and prevent shipment of nonconforming material.
• Support SLOB and red‑tag programs by ensuring correct lifecycle status, obsolescence flags, and substitution rules; coordinate timely blocking/inactivation of obsolete SKUs.
• Validate planning parameters (safety stock, reorder points/ROP, rounding) and lead times using performance data to avoid chronic over/under stocking.

Outcome: High‑quality new product and raw material introduction (NPIP / NRIP) and transitions with "right‑first‑time" data.

Actions

• Lead master data readiness for NPIP, NRIP and formula/labeling changes: create end‑to‑end objects (materials, BOM/recipes, routings, QM inspection plans/specs, packaging, GTIN/UoM) before first production.
• Coordinate cross‑functional sign‑offs (R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Planning, Customer Service) for new or changed SKUs.
• Provide cutover plans and data validation checklists for launches, transitions, and phase‑outs to prevent order blocks and shipment errors.

Outcome: Standardized data governance, ownership, and controls aligned to supply chain excellence practices.

Actions

• Define and maintain master data standards, RACI, and controls (field ownership, required documentation, approval matrix) consistent with APICS‑aligned process governance.
• Develop training, job aids, and templates; coach requestors and plant SMEs to improve first‑pass quality and reduce rework.
• Support audits and compliance reviews by providing evidence of approvals, change history, and control effectiveness.

Outcome: Actionable visibility of master data performance and continuous improvement.

Actions

• Create and maintain dashboards/scorecards (defect rate, SLA attainment, top defect types, aging requests) using available analytics tools.
• Facilitate routine master data health reviews with Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, and Customer Service; drive corrective actions and systemic fixes.
• Identify automation opportunities (templates, validations, workflows) to reduce manual effort and error rates.

Basic Qualifications

• Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related.
• Job Experience: 2–3 years.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM required or obtained within 12 months.
• ERP / APS systems (SAP required).

Competencies

• Drives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Build Networks – Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.
• Manages Complexity – Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Plans and Aligns – Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.