Supply Chain Planner

An international leader in aviation, Heroux-Devtek is the world’s 3rd largest producer of landing gear, serving the civil and military aerospace markets from production facilities in North America, Europe, and the United Kingdom. The company’s longevity, flexibility, and track record for innovative production systems have distinguished it as a leader in the domain.

About the Division

Located in Livonia, Michigan, Beaver Aerospace & Defense spans three facilities (100,000+ sq. ft.) with over 130 employees. It is one of Héroux-Devtek’s centers of excellence for the design, development, manufacturing, and assembly of ball screws, actuation systems, and other aerospace components. The division specializes in custom-designed ball screws, ball splines, gears, and electromechanical linear/rotary actuators for advanced aircraft, missile applications, and mission-critical space exploration systems. With a focus on precision manufacturing, machining automation, and advanced motion control technology, Beaver Aerospace & Defense aims to remain the best-value producer of complex aerospace and defense components.

About the Role

The Supply Chain Planner - Subcontract Operations will plan, coordinate, and manage Outside Processing (OSP) and all subcontract activities to support production schedules, customer delivery commitments, inventory objectives, and quality requirements. This role ensures parts move through outside processors in alignment with required need dates while maintaining clear visibility to supplier schedules, WIP status, delivery risks, and recovery actions.

Responsibilities

• Confirm and monitor the manufacturing schedule against the ship schedule to communicate needs for on-time delivery of product.
• Manage OSP and subcontract planning for machined parts, metal coatings, non-destructive testing, heat treat processes, grinding, and other outside processing requirements.
• Place, release, update, and manage purchase orders for outside processing and subcontract activities in alignment with production schedules and ERP/MRP requirements.
• Manage subcontracted suppliers specific to machined parts, metal coatings, non-destructive testing, heat treat processes, grinding, etc.
• Oversee supplier capacity and schedule commitments, including routine follow-up on open orders, supplier backlogs, queue times, turnaround times, and available capacity.
• Expedite and de-expedite subcontract orders as required to support production priorities, customer need dates, inventory goals, and changing demand signals.
• Track parts at outside processors from shipment through receipt, ensuring visibility to part location, process status, expected completion date, and next required action.
• Maintain WIP visibility across subcontract suppliers and communicate status, risks, and recovery plans to production planning, procurement, quality, operations, and leadership as needed.
• Support delivery performance management by monitoring on-time delivery, past-due orders, missed commitments, lead-time accuracy, and recurring supplier constraints.
• Coordinate with Production Supervisor, production planning, procurement, quality, operations, shipping/receiving, and suppliers to attain on-time delivery/ECD for items needing outside processing.
• Communicate with respective departments on any changes that will impact schedule execution or customer expectations.
• Issue material purchase orders, contact, and follow up with vendors as needed.
• Prepare and distribute vendor release schedules to ensure proper material delivery at the right time for production while maintaining desired inventory levels.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings through supplier consolidation, process improvements, lead-time reduction, lot size optimization, and improved utilization of subcontract suppliers.
• Monitor outside processing and subcontract spend, supporting cost reduction initiatives and budget objectives.
• Support inventory and lead-time optimization for outsourced operations by reviewing lot sizes, queue times, transit time, process lead times, and WIP requirements.
• Work on advanced management of suppliers and setting up supplier agreements for respective commodities.
• Release and close purchase orders in a timely manner.
• Support the team in achieving performance goals and meet deadlines for delegated tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent work experience required; Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, inventory management, supply chain, operations, or a related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in material planning, inventory management, purchasing, supplier management, production planning, or a related position.
• Experience with outside processing, subcontract suppliers, aerospace manufacturing, machining, metal processing, coatings, heat treat, grinding, and non-destructive testing preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and supply chain management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and material management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement cost savings, process improvements, and supplier performance initiatives preferred.
• Excellent math skills.
• Process and detail-oriented.
• Strong team player and communicator with troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Solid computer experience, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• ERP experience; APICS certification a plus.

Benefits

• Leaders who invest in your success, development, and growth.
• A culture of true teamwork and pride in the product.
• Competitive salaries linked to performance and paid time off.
• 9 paid holidays.
• A comprehensive group insurance plan including HSA/FSA options, dental, and vision coverage for domestic partnerships.
• Supportive wellness program, including healthcare discounts.
• Automatic life insurance with supplemental options.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement savings opportunities with 401k plans, including a company match.
• Tuition reimbursement for relevant certifications, education, and training.
• Free access to a virtual doctor and employee assistance program.
• Social activities for all employees (BBQ, golf, Christmas parties, etc.).
• Generous referral bonuses and advantageous recognition programs.
• A motivating work environment with a human management style where you can make a difference.

Work Culture and Environment

Héroux-Devtek offers a diverse and team-oriented environment where skills development is a top priority. Employees are at the heart of product realization, working through engineering centers, factories, a service unit, and an accessible, agile head office for fast decision-making. Candidates must meet security screening requirements as set out by ITAR directives.