Materials Planner

About the Role

The Materials Planner develops daily production schedules that tell the factory how much of each product needs to be processed through different manufacturing steps on a daily and weekly basis. Utilizes the MRP system to create and manage Manufacturing Orders to get product processed through internal and outside processing manufacturing steps. Works closely with manufacturing to understand capacity constraints and load factory work centers. Partners with procurement to plan schedules based on material lead times and availability and address material shortages that impact the production schedule.

Responsibilities

• Manage the continuous flow of internally produced componentry from raw material to finished goods based on customer demand
• Understand complex manufacturing processes and anticipate/mitigate roadblocks
• Drive production schedule compliance and performance reporting
• Work with Engineering to understand manufacturing cell capabilities and set production targets and expectations
• Proactively evaluate current processes and systems to identify continuous improvement opportunities within the extended value stream and develop and implement best practices in supply chain disciplines
• Respond to inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations in a timely manner to keep stock rotating with no outages
• Apply in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, MRP systems, planning and execution, supply chain management practices, bills of material, and material control scheduling
• Support the value stream in the area of production control
• Foster close working relationships with associated departments such as Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, and Finance
• Continually improve planning capabilities in the MRP system and processes with Manufacturing; drive data integrity in MRP
• Assist with developing policies and procedures for the operation of Production Control and Supply Chain departments
• Walk the manufacturing floor to observe and understand product, flow, inventory, and equipment status and issues
• Assist with managing raw materials and inventory control
• Drive improvements to On Time Delivery by producing material on-time and proactively identifying any material availability issues
• Manage assigned value streams including management of inventory turns improvement, backorder reduction, and coordinating activities with other buyer/planners and departments

Critical Competencies

• Drive for Results: Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; consistently a top performer; bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results
• Customer Focus: Dedicated to meeting expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective business relationships; gains trust and respect
• Technical Competencies: Scheduling techniques, inventory management, risk management, advanced planning systems, problem solving and decision making, teamwork and collaboration, accountability and responsibility, conflict management
• Innovation: Continuously looks for better ways to satisfy consumers with incremental improvements in quality, durability, service, and cost
• Teamwork: Able to lead and/or participate in cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal
• Deep understanding of Safety Stock calculation and management

Required Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred
• Three (3) to seven (7) years materials experience in purchasing, planning, in a heavy manufacturing environment
• Proven track record of material flow optimization through tools such as Lean, Visual Management, and Supplier Value Stream Mapping
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external customers
• Experience with ERP/MRP/Visual Management software for supply chain/inventory management
• Experience in lean manufacturing and other world class manufacturing/purchasing practices required
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in teams

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k plan with 5% Company match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Vacation
• 100% paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student debt retirement matching
• Well-being program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company-provided life insurance
• Supplemental insurance at group rates