Planner, Manufacturing

Saved job description

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

The Manufacturing Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining production plans for a designated group of manufacturing centers within a large-scale manufacturing facility. This role ensures production plans are balanced with customer demand, production capacity, material availability, labor resources, inventory levels, and maintenance requirements.

The Manufacturing Planner works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, and Customer Service teams to develop executable production schedules that support service, cost, inventory, and operational performance goals. The position monitors production execution, identifies constraints, manages schedule adjustments, and drives alignment across stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient plant operations.

Position Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling

Develop and maintain detailed production plans and schedules for assigned manufacturing centers

Balance customer demand, inventory targets, equipment capacity, labor availability, and operational constraints when creating production schedules

Sequence production to maximize throughput, minimize downtime, and improve overall manufacturing efficiency

Monitor schedule adherence and adjust plans to address changing business requirements and operational conditions

Ensure production schedules align with facility and business objectives

Materials Planning

Coordinate raw material requirements to support planned production

Monitor material consumption against plan and identify risks to production continuity

Partner with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to address material shortages and supply constraints

Support inventory optimization initiatives for raw materials and intermediates

Finished Goods Planning

Ensure production plans support customer delivery requirements and inventory targets.

Coordinate with Logistics and Customer Service teams regarding production priorities and shipment requirements.

Monitor finished goods inventories and recommend production adjustments as needed.

Assist in managing service risks related to demand fluctuations or operational disruptions.

Work-in-Process (WIP) Management

Monitor WIP inventories within assigned manufacturing centers

Identify bottlenecks, inventory imbalances, and process constraints affecting production flow

Coordinate with operations teams to maintain optimal inventory levels throughout the manufacturing process

Support initiatives to improve throughput and reduce cycle times

Labor & Resource Coordination

Incorporate labor availability and staffing requirements into production schedules

Coordinate with manufacturing leaders to align production requirements with available resources

Support capacity planning efforts by identifying resource constraints and recommending solutions

Operational Monitoring & Execution

Review production performance daily and adjust schedules based on operating conditions

Analyze production issues and develop alternative plans to maintain operational performance

Communicate schedule changes and planning risks to stakeholders in a timely manner

Escalate capacity, material, labor, or equipment constraints as appropriate

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, schedule stability, and operational performance.

Utilize ERP, MRP, and planning systems to maintain accurate schedules and inventory data.

Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Support the development and maintenance of planning tools, metrics, and reporting systems.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field

3+ years of production planning, supply chain, operations planning, or manufacturing experience in a large-scale industrial or process manufacturing environment. 

Experience in a manufacturing environment that converts raw materials into finished products.

Understanding of production scheduling, inventory management, and capacity planning principles.

Experience working with ERP, MRP, or Advanced Planning Systems (APS), preferably SAP

Experience coordinating production activities across multiple operating areas preferred.

Desired Qualities:

APICS CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire. 

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.