Materials Planner

City of Shakopee, MN; Arkansas; On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson in Arkansas is seeking a detail‑oriented Buyer/Planner to optimize lead times, manage replenishment, and coordinate with suppliers to ensure material availability.

You will monitor stock, PFEP data, andKanban effectiveness, applying Lean principles and root‑cause analysis to improve performance across operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field or equivalent experience.
• Excel proficiency required; pivot tables and VLOOKUPs encouraged.
• 2+ years experience as a Buyer, Planner, Production Scheduler or related role.
• Experience with ERP systems; JDE/JD Edwards preferred.
• Ability to perform pivot tables, VLOOKUPs and other advanced Excel functions.
• Knowledge of Kanban and pull systems.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge; CPIM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with suppliers to optimize lead times, MOQs, and replenishment parameters.
• Analyze stockouts, shortages, supplier performance, and inventory trends.
• Monitor Kanban effectiveness and support process discipline.
• Review PFEP data in ERP and communicate changes to suppliers.
• Coordinate material planning for engineering changes and production requirements.
• Analyze DOH, excess, slow-moving, and obsolete materials; recommend actions.
• Collaborate with production, procurement, and suppliers to expedite materials and resolve issues.

Skills

Data-driven decision making

Lean manufacturing knowledge

Kanban/pull systems

Root cause analysis

Excel proficiency (pivot tables, VLOOK

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

APICS CPIM certification

Tools

ERP systems (JD Edwards/JDE)

Pivot tables & VBA basics

Job description

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

• Partner with suppliers to optimize lead times, minimum order quantities, and replenishment parameters to improve supply chain responsiveness and material flow.
• Analyze stockouts, material shortages, supplier performance, and inventory trends to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Monitor pull system and Kanban process effectiveness through regular production floor engagement, escalating issues and supporting process discipline as needed.
• Review demand forecasts, maintain Plan for Every Part (PFEP) data in the ERP system, and communicate changes to suppliers to support material availability.
• Coordinate material planning activities related to engineering changes, supplier transitions, and production requirements to ensure continuity of operations.
• Manage inventory performance by analyzing days on hand (DOH), identifying excess, slow-moving, and obsolete materials, and recommending appropriate actions.
• Collaborate with production, procurement, and supplier partners to expedite materials, communicate material availability, resolve issues, and support operational goals.

Who You Are:

You build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. You use data and analysis to make sound decisions, identify root causes, and solve complex problems. You consistently seek opportunities to improve processes and drive operational excellence while balancing competing priorities. You communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and adapt your approach to achieve positive business outcomes.

For This Role, You Will Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

• 2+ years of experience as a Buyer, Planner, Production Scheduler, or in a related role.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems; JDE experience preferred.
• Ability to perform pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and other advanced Excel functions.
• Functional knowledge of Kanban and pull systems.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies.
• Knowledge and application of Lean manufacturing techniques.
• APICS certification, such as CPIM.

Our Culture and Commitment To You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to support the physical, mental, financial, and social needs of employees and their families. Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, an Employee Assistance Program, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition programs, and more. We also offer flexible time-off programs, paid parental leave, vacation, and holiday benefits to support employees throughout their career journey.

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