Jobs › Xylem

Supply Planner

Xylem · Morton Grove, IL · $80,000–$90,000 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you reduced inventory without hurting on-time delivery.

What they are checking: Whether they can balance working capital with customer service.

How do you work with suppliers who keep missing their delivery dates?

What they are checking: Supplier management skills and use of performance data to drive improvement.

Tell me about a time bad master data caused a planning problem. How did you fix it?

What they are checking: Awareness that lead times and settings in the system drive planning accuracy.

What would you do

A key component for a pump line is delayed four weeks. What do you do?

What they are checking: How they manage shortages with expediting, alternates and clear communication to production and sales.

Production wants more material on hand, but finance wants inventory down. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: Their ability to balance competing goals with data and clear trade-offs.

A large rush order comes in that would bump other customers. How would you help decide what to do?

What they are checking: Whether they lay out the impact clearly so leaders can make an informed priority call.

About the work

Walk me through how you build a supply plan from a demand forecast in an ERP or MRP system.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the mechanics of supply planning, not just reacting to shortages.

How do you set safety stock levels, and when would you change them?

What they are checking: Their grasp of inventory trade-offs between service levels and carrying cost.

What reports or metrics do you check every morning as a planner?

What they are checking: Whether they have a disciplined routine for exceptions, past dues and supplier performance.

How comfortable are you with Excel for planning analysis?

What they are checking: Whether they can analyze planning data quickly with pivot tables and lookups.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Xylem from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Xylem.

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions. his position is based on-site, full time. Key Responsibilities Procurement & Supplier Management · Issue purchase orders and manage supplier commitments to ensure timely fulfillment of material requirements. · Negotiate pricing, lead times, and delivery schedules to optimize cost, continuity of supply, and service performance. · Monitor supplier performance using key metrics such as On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) and drive corrective actions when needed. · Identify, escalate, and resolve supply disruptions, shortages, and delays to minimize operational impact. · Communicate demand forecasts and replenishment plans with suppliers to support production requirements and inventory availability. Planning & Inventory Management · Develop and maintain detailed supply and production schedules based on customer demand, available capacity, and material availability. · Monitor schedule adherence and production performance, proactively identifying constraints that may affect delivery timelines. · Communicate schedule changes, risks, and recovery plans to production and management teams to maintain alignment across functions. · Analyze supply and inventory data to support actionable planning decisions and maintain healthy inventory levels. · Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve planning accuracy, scheduling efficiency, and overall operational performance. Required Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field · 3+ years of experience in purchasing, production planning, inventory control, or a related supply chain function · Experience working within a manufacturing environment · Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems · Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis · Demonstrated ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable supply plans · Strong verbal and written communication skills · High attention to detail with a results-oriented, self-directed approach · Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment · Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify process inefficiencies and support operational enhancements Preferred Competencies/Skills · Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and supply challenges · Ability to balance inventory optimization with service-level expectations and production needs · Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment · Confidence working cross-functionally with suppliers, production teams, and internal stakeholders · Sound judgment and decision-making skills supported by data and operational awareness · Commitment to delivering high-quality work with accuracy and accountability Xylem does not provide sponsorship for this opportunity. Why Xylem? We believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally. Our benefits include: · Paid parental leave, maternity support, and fertility benefits · Flexibility and hybrid work options where applicable · Health, dental, and vision insurance from day one · Emotional health and wellness programs and Volunteer program (Watermark) · Paid time off (PTO)/Flexible time off (FTO) and paid holidays · Career development, advancement, tuition reimbursement, and student loan forgiveness · Generous retirement savings plan with company contribution · Employee recognition and discount programs The estimated salary range for this position is $80,000 to $90,000 plus bonus.   Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range.  At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement. Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. #LI-TM1 Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world. At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment. Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation

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