Global Materials Planning Specialist (REMOTE)

Job Overview

The Global Materials Planning Specialist plays a central governance role in owning and enforcing global standards for Master Production Scheduling (MPS) and materials planning across AD&M plants. This role is responsible for ensuring that plants execute planning processes in alignment with defined SAP configurations and business rules. The Specialist drives system discipline, evaluates compliance, and takes corrective action where deviations occur.

In addition to MPS governance, this role supports broader materials planning initiatives and acts as a key interface between plant execution teams, master data owners, and central supply chain transformation. The role requires a combination of tactical SAP planning expertise, in-depth understanding of the plant floor, and the ability to lead change without direct authority.

This position requires access to information which is subject to stringent controls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, person granted asylee status in the U.S., or person admitted into the U.S. as a refugee.

Responsibilities

MPS & Planning 
•    Serve as the process owner for MPS and planning standards across all AD&M plants 
•    Ensure all planning-related configurations and execution behaviors in SAP adhere to the global standards 
•    Define, document, and socialize planning standards  
•    Escalate deviations from standards and work with plant leaders to correct behaviors or configurations 
•    Continuously evolve and refine standards based on execution feedback, SAP changes, or business needs 
 
Site Deployment, Sustainment & Compliance Assurance 
•    Lead structured deployments of MPS processes, including readiness assessments and post-launch audits 
•    Conduct periodic reviews of plant adherence to standard planning logic, master data settings, and scheduling practices 
•    Challenge inconsistencies or workarounds that undermine global planning discipline 
•    Monitor process adherence and performance through KPIs (schedule adherence, level-load, etc.) 
•    Facilitate continuous improvement in scheduling logic and practices 
•    Support the integrity of key SAP fields used in MPS and materials planning logic 
•    Support SAP issue resolution, enhancements, and transformation as a core stakeholder 
•    Facilitate continuous improvement in scheduling logic and practices 
•    Participate in process walkthroughs to identify planning gaps and improvement opportunities 
•    Work with plant schedulers, planners, and supervisors to align system-generated plans with real-world constraints 
 
Central Support & SAP Enhancements/Testing 
•    Act as the SME for master scheduling & planning/SAP-related escalations and questions 
•    Partner with the SAP team on system enhancements, UAT, and global template improvements 
•    Participate in or lead future SAP S/4HANA, IBP, or advanced planning initiatives 

Change Management 
•    Conduct training sessions, workshops, and process walk-throughs 
•    Help drive cultural alignment with disciplined planning practices 
•    Coach site teams to adopt and sustain correct system usage, not just provide help, but ensure process ownership 
•    Reinforce process discipline and accountability through structured follow-ups and governance routines 
 

What your background should look like

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field 
•    8 or more years of experience in materials planning/master scheduling (manufacturing setting) 
•    Advanced SAP knowledge (hands-on, configuration awareness preferred) 
•    Strong understanding of MPS, MRP, SIOP, and planning parameters 
•    Hands-on experience working directly in a manufacturing plant environment 
•    Proven track record of leading process deployment or improvement initiatives 
•    Strong influencing, communication, and analytical skills 
•    Nice to have: Hands-on experience with SAP IBP – Response  
•    Nice to have: APICS CPIM or equivalent certification preferred 
 
Role Attributes 
•    No direct reports; operates through influence 
•    Travel 30%  
•    Reports to Supply Chain Strategy & Optimization Leader 
•    Must be comfortable balancing standardization with site-specific needs 

Competencies