Associate Specialist, Materials Management

About the Role

The Associate Materials Management Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing companywide supply chain inventory strategies for assigned commodities, aligned with Corporate and Departmental policies and procedures. This role involves leading all aspects of planning, monitoring, and delivery of inventory material for the Supply Chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage inventory strategies for assigned commodities or areas of responsibility, consistent with corporate and department policies and procedures.
• Research and develop a working knowledge of assigned commodities, including their manufacturing, specifications, and usage within the Company.
• Analyze inventory consumption data, inventory levels, and work order requirement signals to make ordering decisions and place orders via contract release or standalone Purchase Orders.
• Monitor material usage, future requirements, and key supplier relationships in conjunction with Strategic Sourcing.
• Stay informed about market and industry trends, conditions, pricing, and quality/delivery requirements.
• Provide recommendations for supply chain process improvements.
• Ensure end-user requirements are satisfied.
• Ensure the quality and stable supply of materials, monitoring delivery timeliness and identifying patterns.
• Assess and implement various inventory methods (e.g., consignment, Vendor Managed/Owned Inventory) and requirements forecasting (e.g., MRP), in conjunction with Strategic Sourcing.
• Provide supply planning and analysis.
• Conduct supplier performance and relationship management.
• Accurately create and modify material master records in the SAP Materials Management Module according to standards.
• Participate in user testing for system revisions and upgrades.
• Work closely with warehouse personnel on aspects of materials management, including stocking levels, jobsite deliveries, new/obsolete material, and material changes.
• Coordinate with Engineering Standards and Materials on material standardization.
• Periodically review material forecasts against actual demand and make adjustments.
• Communicate forecast of project material requirements and timelines to contracted suppliers.
• Collaborate with Strategic Sourcing to hold suppliers accountable to contract terms.
• Interface with Vendors, internal clients, auditors, and Strategic Sourcing to achieve overall value for the Company.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Effective and efficient communication skills.
• Experience with SAP Materials Management Module.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Distribution, Business Administration, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Relevant job-related CenterPoint Energy experience may be considered for non-degree candidates.