Material Analyst

Work Location: ​Itasca​

Itasca, IL

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

The Material Analyst is responsible for supporting the release, tracking, and expediting of raw and packaging materials to ensure seamless production operations. This role involves managing inventory, processing orders in SAP, and serving as a liaison between vendors, quality assurance, and production teams to resolve material-related issues and maintain schedule adherence.

Ways you will make a difference

• Coordinate ordering and timely release of raw and packaging materials to support production schedules 
• Process and confirm purchase orders in SAP, assign purchase orders to requisitions 
• Monitor material deliveries and expedite when necessary to prevent production delays 
• Maintain inventory at optimal levels to ensure material availability while minimizing carrying costs 
• Perform and coordinate quarterly physical inventory counts and reconciliation 
• Ensure FIFO (First-In, First-Out) inventory management is followed 
• Act as primary liaison between warehousing, the plant, corporate material planning teams and quality for material-related issues 
• Verify accuracy of invoices by cross-checking against purchase orders and resolve discrepancies in pricing or quantity 
• Ensure accurate entry of incoming materials into the inventory management system 
• Collaborate with the Operations team to ensure schedule adherence and service rate targets based on material availability 
• Recognize and respond to abnormal usage trends that may indicate issues in supply or production 
• Utilize SAP and other systems to support inventory control and procurement functions 
• Ensure compliance with all standard operating procedures and internal controls 
• Provide input during planning and scheduling meetings to support efficient production flow 
• Assist in correcting Bills of Materials (BOMs) as needed 
• Coordinate inter-facility transfers of materials between plants and storage locations 

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong organizational and communication skills 
• Ability to work cross-functionally across production and departments 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Analytical mindset to identify tre4nds and solve inventory challenges 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional manufacturing environment 

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred 
• 2-4 Years of experience in material coordination, inventory control, or logistics within a manufacturing environment 
• Experience working with SAP or similar ERP systems in a manufacturing environment 
• Familiarity with production operations, supply chain workflows, and supplier coordination 
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite 
• Familiarity with inventory control and procurement practices 

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO).  Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $61,950 - $86,730 annually.