Sr. Inventory Planner

About the role

LyondellBasell (LYB) is a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living, with a nearly 70‑year legacy that includes a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and proprietary MoReTec recycling technology. The Integrated Supply, Trading & Optimization (IST&O) team aligns market risk management, asset flexibility, and commercial decisions within a governance and compliance framework. As an Olefins Scheduling and Operations specialist, you will manage product movements from supply to delivery point in an operationally excellent manner, working closely with product traders to maximize value‑add and business optimization opportunities. This role supports the IST&O Olefins business and is based in the Galleria area at LYB’s North American headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage inventory using mid‑ to long‑term demand forecasts, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and business strategy; oversee third‑party storage, exchange agreements, and in‑transit inventory to maintain optimal stock levels and service reliability.
• Schedule and coordinate all activities required to execute planned commercial and operational obligations from confirmed deals.
• Coordinate daily activities with third‑party and tolling facilities.
• Serve as a key liaison between the business, operations planning, and suppliers/customers.
• Drive short‑term commercial and operational optimizations: work with traders to understand business mandates, commercial and market conditions; act as focal point for all operations tied to contracted deals; leverage business acumen to proactively create value through commercial and logistical solutions.
• Serve as primary point of contact for inbound/outbound product movements across multiple locations and transportation modes.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders; clearly understand network, transportation, and operations.
• Communicate effectively across teams to provide updates and resolve issues.
• Lead problem‑solving for time‑sensitive needs and service incidents, driving root‑cause analysis and resolution; remain composed and professional when communicating challenging updates.
• Partner with inventory accounting to ensure accurate monthly reconciliation of inventory.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost, quality, and service performance at terminals and plants.
• Review and manage cost‑efficient inventory planning by actively managing budgets and optimizing service levels.
• Analyze complex data to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for process optimization; clearly communicate findings and present to stakeholders to support decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Document and update all processes, procedures, benchmarks, and analyses performed.
• Demonstrate independent knowledge of the Enterprise system (SAP), extended system tools, and assist team members and 3PL providers with full utilization of these tools.
• Assure and maintain accuracy of material and/or master data in SAP and extended systems.
• Operate with a lean, solution‑oriented mindset regarding process improvements; assist with change implementation for extended system improvements or other customer fulfillment projects.
• Provide support for system‑related questions and access requests; actively participate in KPI meetings to ensure alignment with performance metrics and strategic goals.
• Model LYB’s core competencies with internal and external customers.
• Provide 24/7 on‑call support outside regular business hours to ensure continuity of operations and timely response to business segment needs.
• Provide routine coverage for peers’ vacation and leave.
• Lead weekly tactical meetings and gather communication and notes.

Requirements

• High School Diploma with at least 8 years of relevant experience (considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree).
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant, industry‑related experience.
• Product and/or inventory planning/scheduling experience.
• Experience working in SAP, including material management, data accuracy, system utilization, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field (preferred).
• Advanced SAP material movement and inventory reconciliation (highly desired).
• Proficiency in Commercial Trading & Risk Management systems.
• Experience in order fulfillment, direct order management, or logistics coordination.
• Advanced analytical skills, with experience consolidating and interpreting data using Excel and statistical forecasting tools to make cost‑effective, service‑driven decisions.
• Ability to prepare and present complex reports, including financial and statistical data, in a clear and concise format.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and bonus
• 401(k) matching
• Generous benefits package
• Pension plan
• Parking subsidy
• Employee discounts

Schedule

Four days in the office, Monday through Thursday.