Logistics Support

Material Master Data Specialist

Position Summary

Responsible for researching manufacturer part numbers (MPNs), technical documentation, catalogs, and supplier information to identify and validate material specifications required for the creation, maintenance, and governance of Material IDs within SAP. Ensures material master data is accurate, complete, standardized, and compliant with company data governance requirements to support procurement, inventory management, maintenance, and operational activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Research manufacturer part numbers using vendor catalogs, manufacturer websites, technical specifications, drawings, datasheets, and procurement documentation to identify critical material attributes.
• Analyze and validate material characteristics including dimensions, ratings, materials of construction, performance specifications, certifications, and manufacturer information.
• Determine whether existing Material IDs meet business requirements or if new Material IDs are required.
• Review manufacturer specifications to ensure proper classification, taxonomy assignment, and material group selection.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Maintenance, Operations, and vendors to obtain missing or unclear technical information.
• Audit and improve material master data quality, identify duplicate records, and recommend consolidation opportunities.
• Maintain supporting documentation and ensure all material data is traceable, accurate, and auditable.
• Support SAP master data governance initiatives and continuous process improvement efforts.
• Provide guidance to stakeholders regarding material identification, manufacturer part number management, and Material ID requirements.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to interpret manufacturer catalogs, technical specifications, engineering drawings, and equipment documentation.
• Knowledge of Material Master Data principles and SAP Material Management (MM).
• Familiarity with manufacturer part number (MPN) structures and Approved Manufacturer Parts Lists (AMPL).
• Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding inventory, procurement, supply chain, or maintenance business processes.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively across multiple departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP Material Master, SAP Material Management, or Master Data Governance processes.
• Utility, industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, or supply chain experience.
• Experience researching spare parts, maintenance materials, electrical components, mechanical equipment, or MRO inventory.
• Knowledge of material taxonomy and data governance standards.

Sample Performance Outcomes

• Accurately research manufacturer part numbers and extract technical specifications required to create SAP Material IDs.
• Maintain high-quality Material Master data that supports procurement, inventory control, maintenance planning, and financial reporting.
• Reduce duplicate material records through effective research and data stewardship.
• Ensure Material IDs, MPN records, and AMPL records are complete, standardized, and compliant with governance requirements.
  

  1. Explain what the scope of the work/project is? Project Overview, deliverables (what is this person responsible for).

  a. One of the teams that I manage is the Material Master Data Governance team. Material Master is basically a catalog of all our material IDs for Xcel Energy. What we need is someone to help create material IDs that can be used on purchase orders so materials can be tracked through the entire process. This person will support the Energy Supply group by gathering technical specifications, researching manufacturer part numbers, completing the required forms, and submitting them to the Material Master team for review and entry into SAP. They may work on large projects involving hundreds of new material IDs for power plants, wind farms, and solar farms.

  2. What does a typical day look like?

  a. They are going to get a lot of emails requesting material IDs. They will gather information from requestors, research manufacturer part numbers and specifications online, contact vendors or manufacturers, when necessary, complete the required documentation, submit forms to the Material Master team, and follow up on approvals. Much of the day will involve researching technical details, validating information from multiple sources, and creating documentation.

  3. Describe work environment / team culture (supportive/collaborative, teamwork or individual contributor)?

  a. The role is primarily an individual contributor role but works closely with requestors, logistics managers, the Material Master team, vendors, and manufacturers. Collaboration and communication are important.

  4. Can you elaborate on any potential risks or safety considerations associated with this role, particularly if the responsibilities extend beyond a standard desk or office environment?*

  a. The position is primarily office-based, but there will be times when the contractor will need to visit warehouses, storerooms, or power plants and work directly with site personnel.

  5. What are the work hours/shift (standard, evening, full time/part time, OT required, on call for 24/7 operation)? *

  a. Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with some flexibility. No overtime is generally expected.

  6. What are the top 3-5 skills and qualifications (technology/application/software, etc.) required?

  a. Strong research skills and ability to gather technical specifications.

  b. High attention to detail and accuracy.

  c. Strong computer and internet research skills.

  d. Experience with materials, inventory, warehouse operations, or supply chain functions.

  e. Spreadsheet skills including sorting and VLOOKUPs; SAP experience is a plus.

  7. What non-technical skills are necessary (i.e., such as communication, problem solving, team player)?

  a. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  b. Organization skills.

  c. Analytical thinking.

  d. Attention to detail.

  e. Persistence in researching and validating information.

  f. Ability to collaborate with requestors, vendors, manufacturers, and internal teams.

  8. Ideal candidate background and how many years required?

  a. The position is highly trainable. A couple of years of relevant experience would be helpful, but the hiring manager is more focused on mindset, research ability, attention to detail, and willingness to dig for accurate information. Backgrounds in materials management, warehouse operations, supply chain, or technical specification work would be beneficial.

  9. Are there any certifications/education that the candidate must possess?

  a. No specific certifications or education requirements. Any relevant certifications are considered a plus but are not required.

  10. Are there any preferred or "nice to have" skills?

  a. SAP experience.

  b. Advanced Excel skills.

  c. Knowledge of materials and inventory processes.

  d. Technical specifications experience.

  e. Supply chain or warehouse experience.

  f. Energy industry exposure.

  g. Experience researching manufacturer and vendor information.

  11. Are there any pre-screening questions, such as candidate's previous experience, education, etc., that you would like suppliers to ask of candidates upon submission?

  a. Experience conducting detailed technical research.

  b. Experience working with materials, inventory, warehouse, or supply chain processes.

  c. Experience using Excel, including sorting and VLOOKUP functions.

  d. SAP experience, if applicable.

  e. Ability to communicate with vendors, manufacturers, and internal stakeholders.

  f. Availability for interviews over the next two weeks.

  12. What is the location of the contract assignment (Full time onsite, hybrid – percent of time on site/home or, are you open to fully remote)? If the resource is expected to be onsite, can you confirm if the resource can park on Xcel property/in the ramp?

  a. Hybrid position. The manager is looking for the best candidate regardless of location and is open to candidates in Minnesota, Texas, or Colorado. The contractor will have an office location or cubicle available within the operating company they support.