Item Master Specialist

Role Summary

The Item Master Specialist is responsible for the creation, maintenance, governance, and continuous improvement of item master data within the ERP system. The role ensures the accurate classification, standardization, and coding of materials, equipment, spare parts, and services to support procurement, inventory management, warehouse operations, financial reporting, and business decision-making. Acting as a key custodian of master data integrity, the position collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders to maintain standardized item information, enforce data governance principles, eliminate duplicate records, and ensure compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, and audit requirements. The role operates with a high degree of independence in managing item coding activities and resolving data quality issues while escalating complex exceptions to management.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Create, maintain, and update item master records within the ERP system.
• Review, validate, and process item creation, modification, and deactivation requests.
• Assign and maintain item codes in accordance with established naming conventions, classification standards, and data governance requirements.
• Classify materials, equipment, spare parts, and services using approved commodity and categorization structures (e.g., UNSPSC and material groups).
• Verify item descriptions, technical specifications, units of measure, manufacturer details, and part numbers for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify, analyze, and eliminate duplicate item records to maintain master data integrity.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Warehouse, Engineering, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate item identification and classification.
• Establish and maintain standardized item descriptions and coding frameworks across the organization.
• Conduct periodic master data audits, cleansing activities, and data quality reviews.
• Monitor and improve item master data accuracy, consistency, completeness, and compliance.
• Generate reports and analytics related to item master activities, pending requests, duplicate records, and data quality metrics.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance item master data policies, procedures, work instructions, and governance documentation.
• Support inventory optimization, ERP enhancement initiatives, and supply chain improvement projects.
• Provide guidance, training, and user support on item coding standards, classification methodologies, and master data processes.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, internal controls, audit requirements, and applicable ISO standards.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and dashboards related to item master performance and data quality management.
• Investigate and resolve item master data issues, discrepancies, and classification conflicts.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening master data governance and operational efficiency.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in item master data management, supply chain, procurement, inventory control, warehouse operations, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within construction, engineering, industrial, manufacturing, or project-based environments is preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent enterprise platforms.
• Strong knowledge of item master data management principles, governance frameworks, and data quality standards.
• Understanding of inventory management, procurement processes, warehouse operations, and supply chain best practices.
• Knowledge of item classification methodologies, including UNSPSC, commodity codes, material groups, and cataloging standards.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, data sheets, manufacturer catalogs, and equipment documentation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools for data analysis, validation, and performance monitoring.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high levels of data accuracy and integrity.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills across Procurement, Engineering, Warehouse, Finance, and Operations functions.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality when handling business-critical data.
• Knowledge of internal controls, audit requirements, ISO standards, and master data governance practices.
• Experience in data cleansing, duplicate identification, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Professional certifications such as APICS, CSCP, CIPS, DAMA, or equivalent certifications are considered an advantage.