Planner (Contractor)

About the role

Join Komatsu, a globally respected leader in the heavy equipment industry, as a Planner (Contractor) based in Elko, NV. This role is crucial to driving the effectiveness and reliability of our maintenance operations by strategically managing and scheduling maintenance activities to support uninterrupted equipment performance.

As the Planner (Contractor), you will serve as the communication link between internal teams and external service providers, ensuring that every maintenance project is executed with precision, timeliness, and a strong commitment to quality. You will play a key role in fostering a Safety-First culture, where operational excellence and employee well-being are prioritized equally.

This position is an excellent opportunity to broaden your expertise by working with cutting-edge operational systems and to influence continuous improvement initiatives that elevate customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce rigorous workplace safety standards by continuously monitoring equipment conditions, ensuring compliance with operational protocols, and upholding impeccable housekeeping standards that exceed both industry regulations and company policies.
• Work in partnership with Planning, Production, and Field Managers to synchronize departmental workflows with the broader strategic priorities and ensure full compliance with all operational standards.
• Carry out systematic inspections and audits of current service jobs to maintain exemplary quality levels, actively seeking opportunities to enhance processes and introduce innovative solutions.
• Optimize complex scheduling challenges by skillfully balancing routine maintenance requirements, scheduled outages, and urgent repairs to maximize resource efficiency while minimizing customer downtime.
• Oversee all facets of maintenance planning under general supervision, setting priorities aligned with customer demands and resource availability, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing operational needs.
• Utilize advanced scheduling and planning software tools to accurately document workflows, monitor job progress, and facilitate efficient scheduling.
• Assume comprehensive ownership of the planning lifecycle, including scoping jobs, coordinating materials, scheduling resources, and ensuring effective communication between cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate closely with supervisors to initiate assignments and oversee the timely procurement of essential parts, tools, and materials to support uninterrupted task completion.
• Manage logistics for external service support, including arranging accommodations, equipment rentals, and travel, maintaining proactive communication with vendors.
• Perform meticulous inspection and validation of parts and materials upon receipt to guarantee inventory integrity and readiness for maintenance assignments.
• Exercise precise budget management by tracking and analyzing costs associated with maintenance projects, providing transparent reporting for effective financial oversight.
• Compile detailed cost reports and actively participate in management meetings to offer insights that enable informed decision-making and resource optimization.
• Facilitate strong customer relationships by preparing preliminary invoices, addressing billing questions, and ensuring accurate, timely financial documentation.
• Maintain comprehensive electronic documentation via tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint to ensure records are consistently archived, accessible, and fully compliant.
• Support special projects assigned within the maintenance department by contributing innovative ideas and efficient solutions.
• Coordinate collaborative efforts across ERP platforms to integrate shared labor management systems, ensuring streamlined communication and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED, with demonstrated progression through higher education or technical training toward a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of site operations, including equipment performance characteristics and infrastructure considerations.
• Proficiency in database management systems for accurate and up-to-date record keeping.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with diverse teams, supervisors, vendors, and customers both verbally and in writing.
• Solid understanding and application of preventive maintenance methodologies tailored to the specific needs of heavy equipment and machinery.
• Committed to proactive occupational health and safety practices through the identification and mitigation of risks.
• Experienced with enterprise-level software including SAP for resource planning, CDK for operational workflow management, Microsoft Office Suite for documentation and reporting, and project scheduling tools such as Gantt Charts.
• Technical comprehension of machine component layouts and functional mechanics to accurately scope tasks, allocate resources, and diagnose issues.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technological platforms and contribute to digital transformation initiatives.