At Tenneco, we don't follow industry standards; we set them, and we don't settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it's our Core Values - radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win - or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we're determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.
With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we're all about getting stuff done, so we can win.
How do we make it happen?Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It's what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.
Here, you'll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you're ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you'll thrive here.
Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way
Position Summary:
The Materials Analyst is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted material flow to support manufacturing operations while optimizing inventory investment and supplier performance. This role balances service, cost, and inventory by aligning procurement activities with production demand, managing supplier relationships, and maintaining accurate system planning parameters.
The position plays a critical role in supporting operational stability, Continuous Improvement, and on-time delivery to customers by ensuring the right material is available at the right time, in the right quantity, at the lowest total cost.
Key Responsibilities:
Material Planning & Procurement Execution
- Analyze SAP signals to determine material requirements aligned to production schedules.
- Issue purchase orders and manage order confirmations, expedites, and de-expedites as required.
- Maintain Visual Pull / demand-driven inventory strategies to support constraint management.
- Ensure continuity of supply to prevent production disruptions.
- Coordinate with Production, Scheduling, and Operations to align material availability with build plans.
Inventory Optimization
- Monitor and adjust planning parameters including safety stock, lead times, and order quantities.
- Drive reduction of excess and obsolete inventory while maintaining required service levels.
- Support cycle review of inventory health, usage trends, and forecast alignment.
- Balance lowest practical inventory with highest achievable fill rate.
Supplier Management & Performance
- Manage assigned supply base including delivery performance, responsiveness, and issue resolution.
- Review open order reports and proactively address shortages or risks.
- Partner with Strategic Sourcing to support supplier transitions, cost initiatives, and risk mitigation.
- Ensure procurement is executed only through Approved Supplier List sources.
- Support lead-time reduction and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
System Integrity & Data Accuracy
- Maintain planning and purchasing data accuracy within SAP
- Review automated audits and resolve discrepancies impacting planning signals.
- Ensure customer order data and shipment requirements are accurate and current.
Customer & Logistics Coordination
- Serve as primary liaison for order coordination and shipment scheduling.
- Plan weekly strip shipments based on customer demand, including domestic truckloads and international containers.
- Coordinate with freight providers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve transportation issues.
- Align with leadership to support production timing and customer commitments.
Operational Alignment & Continuous Improvement
- Partner cross-functionally with to support plant objectives.
- Participate in 5S/Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on flow, inventory turns, and service performance.
- Identify and recommend process improvements that enhance planning accuracy and responsiveness.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 2-5 years of experience in materials planning, purchasing, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
- Automotive or high-volume production experience preferred.
- 1+ year(s) SAP experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret planning data and translate into action.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of SAP system and inventory control principles.
- Understanding of demand-driven / Visual Pull / Constraint Management concepts preferred.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills across operations, suppliers, and logistics partners.
- High level of ownership, urgency, and accountability for supply continuity and data accuracy.
Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities