Inventory Analyst Material Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: US - Material Planner IJob Description
The Material Planner I coordinates the procurement and inventory management of materials to support production schedules and meet customer demand. This role works closely with suppliers, production teams, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of materials, optimal inventory levels, and alignment with quality and scheduling requirements. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing or production environment.
Responsibilities

• Generate and maintain material requirements plans (MRP) based on production schedules, sales forecasts, and inventory targets.
• Coordinate with suppliers to procure materials, components, and parts according to production needs and lead times, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, finished goods, and components, and initiate replenishment orders as needed to prevent stockouts and minimize excess inventory.
• Collaborate with production teams to prioritize and schedule material deliveries, ensuring alignment with production schedules and customer requirements.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and cycle counts to verify accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and update inventory records accordingly.
• Analyze demand patterns, consumption rates, and supplier performance metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and cost reduction.
• Communicate with cross-functional teams, including production, logistics, and purchasing, to resolve issues and mitigate risks related to material availability and supply chain disruptions.
• Use ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel to manage materials planning, track inventory, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying process inefficiencies in materials planning and inventory management and recommending enhancements.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree or 1-3 years of experience in materials planning, procurement, inventory management, or a related role.
• Knowledge of supply chain principles, inventory control techniques, and materials management best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and inventory tracking.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems for materials planning and inventory management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Foundational understanding of production scheduling and material planning in a supply chain context.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certification or training in supply chain management or materials planning, such as APICS CPIM.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with demand planning software and forecasting tools.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience working with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning systems.

Work Environment
This role operates in a fast-paced manufacturing or production-oriented environment where timely material availability is critical to meeting production schedules and customer demand. You will regularly use ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Excel, and potentially SAP and other demand planning or forecasting tools to manage materials and inventory. The position involves frequent collaboration with production, logistics, and purchasing teams, as well as communication with external suppliers. Work typically follows standard business hours, with periods of increased activity when production schedules and customer requirements demand close coordination and quick decision-making.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Davenport, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Davenport,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.