MRP Buyer Analyst

Element Food Solutions; La Grange (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Food Solutions, LLC. in Illinois is seeking an MRP Buyer Analyst to manage purchasing based on MRP signals, ensuring on-time procurement and optimal inventory levels in the food and beverage sector.

You will apply advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, charts, macros), analyze data, and monitor supplier performance to drive cost control and continuous improvement across procurement. This KPI-driven role requires strong collaboration with planning, operations, and warehouse teams to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of MRP-based purchasing experience, preferably in food & beverage.
• Strong ERP knowledge including Oracle, SAP, BAAN, and Infor M3.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Process MRP messages including Pull-in, Push-out, and Cancellations.
• Generate and manage purchase orders based on system demand.
• Ensure on-time delivery of purchase orders from suppliers.
• Monitor shortage, past due, and supply-demand reports.
• Track Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and cost control opportunities.
• Monitor inventory levels to avoid excess stock and stockouts.
• Support inventory health through MRP message execution.
• Monitor expiration ingredients inventory reports.
• Participate in internal and customer inventory reviews.
• Develop Excel-based tools for analysis and projections.
• Provide visibility into purchasing trends and supplier performance.
• Communicate with planning, operations, and suppliers to align material needs and delivery schedules.
• Own and track KPIs such as on-time delivery and turnover.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Detail oriented

Proactive

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Oracle

SAP

BAAN

Infor M3

Job description

The MRP Buyer Analyst is responsible for executing purchasing activities based on MRP signals from the Infor M3 ERP system, ensuring on-time procurement, optimal inventory levels, cost control, and supplier performance. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, charts, macros), and a solid understanding of supply and demand dynamics within the food and beverage industry.

The position is KPI-driven, requiring familiarity with both industry-standard metrics and internal company performance indicators. The MRP Buyer Analyst plays a key role in maintaining supply continuity, supporting strategic decision making, and driving continuous improvement across procurement operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

MRP Execution & Purchasing

• Process MRP messages including Pull-in, Push-out, and Cancellations.
• Generate and manage purchase orders based on system demand and forecasted requirements.
• Ensure Purchase order on time delivery from suppliers.
• Monitor and act on shortage reports, past due reports, and supply & demand reports.

Cost & Price Management

• Track and analyze Purchase Price Variance (PPV)
• Support cost control initiatives and identify opportunities for savings.

Inventory & Obsolescence Control (E&O)

• Monitor inventory levels to avoid excess stock, obsolete materials, and stockouts.
• Support inventory health through proactive MRP Messages execution
• Monitor Expiration ingredients Inventory Reports
• Participate in inventory reviews internally and with customers.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Develop and maintain Excel based tools for analysis and projections using pivot tables, charts, and macros.
• Ensure data integrity across procurement reports and ERP entries.
• Provide visibility into purchasing trends, supplier performance, and forecast accuracy.

Internal & External Communication

• Maintain active communication with internal stakeholders (planning, operations, warehouse finance) and external customers/suppliers.
• Ensure alignment on material needs, delivery schedules (BluJay), and service expectations.
• Own and track key performance indicators such as:

• On time delivery rate (Past Due Reports accuracy)
• Inventory turnover
• System Data integrity Maintenance (LT updates, Delivery Terms, ETA Accuracy, etc.)

Food Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all relevant food safety rules including SQF, cGMPs, and Food Defense.
• Report any observed food safety violations to your supervisor immediately.

Education and Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in MRP-based purchasing, preferably in food & beverage.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, BAAN, etc), ideally Infor M3.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to interpret large datasets and generate actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Detail oriented, organized, and proactive.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with supplier scorecards, cost analysis, and forecast modeling.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards.