Production Planner

About the role

Works closely with the Division Production Planner to ensure production schedules are met at the NJ site. Monitors operations to maintain process and product quality, maximize yields and efficiencies, minimize scrap and waste, and employ safe practices. Manages production activities for high productivity, acceptable lead-times and backlogs, and manages product flow to fulfill customer orders and business needs. Maintains inventories at appropriate levels with a focus on the customer, corrective actions, and supports development of new products and processes.

Responsibilities

• Production Planning: Works closely with Division Production Planner to ensure production schedules are met; monitors operations for quality, yields, efficiencies, scrap/waste minimization, and safe practices; manages production activities for high productivity and acceptable lead-times/backlogs; manages product flow to fulfill customer orders; monitors and maintains inventories at appropriate levels; maintains customer focus and corrective actions; supports development of new products and processes.
• Capacity & Capability: Understands and documents equipment and labor capacity/capability for new products and processes; schedules production to include R&D and process improvement activities.
• Inventory Management: Monitors WIP and Finished Goods inventory; researches and defines reasons for excess inventory; flags items with reasons, communicates, and supports solutions.
• Administrative/Business Operations: Attends daily and weekly meetings with appropriate personnel; expedites problems and communicates issues as required; uses Process Value Chain methods for process improvements; maintains positive attitude and cooperation; adapts readily to changes in work requirements.
• Quality Work Environment: Role model for Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Employee Satisfaction, and Business Results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Operations Management, or direct work-related experience
• 2–4 years in manufacturing (high-technology manufacturing preferred)
• Experience performing time studies (both labor and equipment)
• Preferably trained in lean manufacturing techniques

Skills

• Problem analysis and resolution
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or collaboratively
• Ability to recommend and implement improvements
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with networked PC-based systems: MS Office, spreadsheets, Access, graphics, email, MRP systems, accounting software
• Must have experience using SAP or equivalent ERP systems
• Capable of developing and implementing long-range capacity and capability plans
• Ability to handle multiple priorities involving external and internal stakeholders
• Ability to excel in cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environments
• Handles special assignments promptly and professionally
• Sets high standards of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and competency

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or protected individual)
• Compliance with all applicable export control regulations

Schedule

8-hour shift: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Special working conditions may include regular evening and weekend work, shift work, working outdoors, willingness to work off-core-hours, and travel.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corporate EHS standards, including use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by job responsibilities. Managers ensure safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently, risk assessments are performed, proper training and work instructions are provided, required PPE is available, and compliance is monitored.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for execution and maintenance of ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards relevant to the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to Coherent Corp.’s ICARE values in all aspects of the position:

• Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work