Sr. Material Planning Analyst

About Rivian Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. Role Summary The Senior Material Planning Analyst takes a lead role in the material planning of complex, critical production builds. As a Senior Analyst, you are not only responsible for ensuring on-time delivery and optimal inventory levels but also for driving strategic supplier relationships, optimizing supply chain processes, and mentoring junior team members. This role requires advanced analytical capabilities to navigate quick product changeovers, resolve high-level escalations, and develop comprehensive risk mitigation strategies for our most critical commodities. You will serve as a subject matter expert on the Rivian supply chain, shaping processes that impact production, warehouse operations, and overall supply continuity. This position is based onsite in Normal, IL and reports to the Manager of Material Planning. Responsibilities Lead and maintain strategic supplier relationships, managing the most complex and critical supplier accounts to ensure supply continuity. Mentor and train junior Material Planning Analysts, sharing best practices in MRP logic, risk analysis, and supplier management. Drive accurate supply requirements via advanced Material Requirements Planning (MRP) processes, taking ownership of system parameter optimization. Develop and implement strategic safety stock policies to maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing capital tie-up and obsolescence. Act as the primary escalation point for critical plant, warehouse, and logistics disruptions, leading cross-functional teams to resolve prolonged shortages. Spearhead backlog recovery initiatives through executive-level communication and negotiation with the supply base. Lead complex risk analyses and implement robust, long-term countermeasures rather than just temporary fixes. Formally document root cause and corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to prevent recurrence. Prepare executive-level reports and present supply chain status, risks, and strategies to senior leadership and key stakeholders. Lead the material strategy for complex engineering changes, timing transitions, and new product introductions to ensure supply availability and minimize obsolescence. Determine and negotiate bank build quantities during major tooling moves, resourcing efforts, and constrained supply situations. Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Purchasing, and Logistics leaders to establish and overhaul scalable department processes and procedures. Drive supplier performance reviews, facilitating aggressive improvement plans and countermeasures for underperforming vendors. Visit supplier locations and plants during major milestone events, conducting on-site audits and supporting teams when required. Qualifications Bachelor's of Science in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or other related fields highly preferred, accompanied by 5+ years of progressive material planning or supply chain experience (Master's degree is a plus). Advanced proficiency and hands-on experience with Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) Software; SAP experience is highly preferred. Deep understanding of MRP logic, demand plan creation, and inventory optimization strategies. Advanced technical skills in Excel (pivot tables, vlookups, macros) and proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, PowerBI) is a strong plus. Proven ability to lead projects, influence cross-functional teams, and act as a leader/mentor without formal direct reports. Advanced problem-solving skills with a track record of identifying systemic issues and implementing scalable solutions. Ability to independently manage conflicting priorities, meet strict deadlines, and stay within budget in a highly dynamic environment. Strong business acumen and the ability to interpret and negotiate commercial and operational variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to read, interpret, and write complex procedure manuals, safety rules, and supply chain documentation. Executive presence with the ability to speak and present effectively before groups of customers, suppliers, and senior organization leaders. Ability to apply concepts of algebra, geometry, and advanced statistical analysis to inventory and demand forecasting. Exceptional resilience and communication skills, with a proven ability to maintain clarity and drive results in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Pay Disclosure Salary Range for Illinois Based Applicants: The salary range for this role is $89,900 - $112,400 for Illinois based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards. Benefits Summary: We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com. You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed until filled. Equal Opportunity Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Candidate Data Privacy and Technology Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role. AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate. Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way. Interview Integrity & AI Policy Our interview process is designed to evaluate your personal technical foundation, real-time problem-solving logic, and structured capabilities. Therefore, the use of assistive generative AI tools to formulate or deliver your solutions during live interview sessions is not permitted. We care most about how you think - how you make sense of unclear requirements, weigh trade-offs, and explain why you chose one approach over another. We value your unique human perspective, your authenticity, and the journey it takes to reach a solution. Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services. Lead and maintain strategic supplier relationships, managing the most complex and critical supplier accounts to ensure supply continuity. Mentor and train junior Material Planning Analysts, sharing best practices in MRP logic, risk analysis, and supplier management. Drive accurate supply requirements via advanced Material Requirements Planning (MRP) processes, taking ownership of system parameter optimization. Develop and implement strategic safety stock policies to maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing capital tie-up and obsolescence. Act as the primary escalation point for critical plant, warehouse, and logistics disruptions, leading cross-functional teams to resolve prolonged shortages. Spearhead backlog recovery initiatives through executive-level communication and negotiation with the supply base. Lead complex risk analyses and implement robust, long-term countermeasures rather than just temporary fixes. Formally document root cause and corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to prevent recurrence. Prepare executive-level reports and present supply chain status, risks, and strategies to senior leadership and key stakeholders. Lead the material strategy for complex engineering changes, timing transitions, and new product introductions to ensure supply availability and minimize obsolescence. Determine and negotiate bank build quantities during major tooling moves, resourcing efforts, and constrained supply situations. Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Purchasing, and Logistics leaders to establish and overhaul scalable department processes and procedures. Drive supplier performance reviews, facilitating aggressive improvement plans and countermeasures for underperforming vendors. Visit supplier locations and plants during major milestone events, conducting on-site audits and supporting teams when required. Bachelor's of Science in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or other related fields highly preferred, accompanied by 5+ years of progressive material planning or supply chain experience (Master's degree is a plus). Advanced proficiency and hands-on experience with Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) Software; SAP experience is highly preferred. Deep understanding of MRP logic, demand plan creation, and inventory optimization strategies. Advanced technical skills in Excel (pivot tables, vlookups, macros) and proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, PowerBI) is a strong plus. Proven ability to lead projects, influence cross-functional teams, and act as a leader/mentor without formal direct reports. Advanced problem-solving skills with a track record of identifying systemic issues and implementing scalable solutions. Ability to independently manage conflicting priorities, meet strict deadlines, and stay within budget in a highly dynamic environment. Strong business acumen and the ability to interpret and negotiate commercial and operational variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to read, interpret, and write complex procedure manuals, safety rules, and supply chain documentation. Executive presence with the ability to speak and present effectively before groups of customers, suppliers, and senior organization leaders. Ability to apply concepts of algebra, geometry, and advanced statistical analysis to inventory and demand forecasting. Exceptional resilience and communication skills, with a proven ability to maintain clarity and drive results in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.