The Raw Material Planning & Market Intelligence Analyst is responsible for driving accurate raw material planning, forecasting, and cost impact analysis to support business and procurement decisions. The role combines market intelligence, financial analysis, and cross-functional coordination to monitor commodity trends, assess cost implications, and provide actionable insights for management. By collaborating closely with procurement teams, commodity experts, and external data providers, the analyst ensures proactive risk management, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement through digitalization and process optimization.
Job Description – Raw Material Planning & Market Intelligence Analyst
Role Objective
Drive raw material planning, forecasting, and market intelligence activities to support business planning, cost steering, and procurement decisions. The role involves close coordination with commodity experts, procurement teams, and external data providers to ensure accurate planning and proactive risk management.
Key Responsibilities
1. Raw Material Planning & Forecasting
- Prepare the Annual Business Plan (BP) for raw materials in close coordination with commodity experts.
- Perform tonnage planning in CoMeT, ensuring accuracy through detailed variance analysis and validation.
- Track and publish raw material price trends and update the same in CoMeT.
- Conduct RM Factbook meetings at defined intervals to align on forecasts and assumptions.
2. Cost Impact Analysis & Steering
- Calculate and review raw material cost impacts based on:
- Market price trends
- Supplier contract logic
- Provide structured insights to steer cost impacts and support decision-making.
- Present future RM impact scenarios to management for pricing and business decisions.
3. Procurement Coordination & Process Steering
- Follow up with Buyers to ensure timely RM amendments in ProQ system as per defined timelines.
- Identify opportunities and drive adoption of MPN (Material Price Negotiation) process.
- Recommend and support Procurement teams in achieving MPN coverage targets.
4. Market Intelligence & Insights
- Provide market intelligence on key commodities using macro-economic indicators and external data sources.
- Analyze global and regional trends impacting raw material prices (e.g., steel, aluminum, alloys).
- Translate market data into actionable insights for Procurement and Controlling teams.
5. External Stakeholder Management
- Coordinate with third-party data providers (e.g., CRISIL, MMR) for:
- Raw material price data
- Validation of reported price trends
- Ensure consistency and reliability of external data inputs used in planning and reporting.
6. Digitalization & Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities for digitalization and automation within RM planning and reporting processes.
- Initiate and execute data and reporting improvement projects in collaboration with Procurement and IT teams.
- Support development of standardized tools and dashboards for improved transparency and efficiency.
7. Key Requirements
- Strong understanding of raw material markets, pricing mechanisms, and cost drivers.
- Experience in planning, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Analytical mindset with ability to translate data into business insights.
- Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills.
8. Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- 3–6 years of relevant experience in Material Cost Controlling, Procurement, Raw Material Planning, or Market Intelligence.
- Exposure to automotive, manufacturing, or commodity-driven industries is preferred.
- Familiarity with financial planning processes (Forecast, Actuals reporting) and cost analysis methodologies.
9. Skills Requirements
Technical & Functional Skills
- Strong understanding of raw material markets (e.g., steel, aluminum, alloys) and pricing mechanisms (index-based, contract-based).
- Ability to interpret macro-economic indicators and commodity trends.
Analytical & Problem-Solving
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to convert complex data into actionable insights.
- Structured approach to problem solving and decision support.
Stakeholder & Communication Skills
- Strong coordination skills with cross-functional teams (Procurement, Controlling, Finance).
Behavioral & Organizational Skills
- Proactive and result-oriented with strong ownership.
- High attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Continuous improvement mindset with focus on digitalization and automation.
