What are the responsibilities and job description for the Master Planner position at Cohu, Inc.?
Cohu is the leading supplier of semiconductor test handlers and contactors, and a growing provider of automated test equipment, inspection & metrology solutions, and data analytics software to optimize semiconductor manufacturing yield and productivity. We are looking for a Master Planner / Scheduler (in Rancho Bernardo as of 12/1/2025) to join the Global Supply Chain team.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Create and maintain master schedules: Develop and manage the master production plan to satisfy customer demand while optimizing inventory levels and resource utilization.
- Balance supply and demand: Use sales forecasts, historical data, and new opportunities to develop a production plan that aligns with factory capacity.
- Manage inventory: Set and maintain finished goods inventory at target levels to ensure high service levels while achieving corporate inventory turn targets.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams: Collaborate with various departments, including production, procurement, sales, engineering, and logistics, to ensure seamless operations and material availability.
- Lead meetings and process improvement: Facilitate Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings to review performance, and lead or participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance process efficiency.
- Monitor and adjust schedules: Continuously monitor production progress against the plan. Identify gaps and delays, communicate issues to management, and develop solutions to get back on track.
- Analyze capacity: Perform regular capacity assessments, lead-time analyses, and bottleneck identification to align production rates with customer demand and optimize workflow.
- Utilize ERP systems: Maintain data integrity within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, including bills of materials (BOMs), lead times, and safety stock levels.
- Report key metrics: Prepare and distribute regular reports and dashboards on production performance, schedule adherence, inventory status, and forecast accuracy for stakeholders and management.
- Troubleshoot issues: Resolve conflicts and shortages related to capacity, materials, and other scheduling issues by gathering and analyzing information.
Required skills and qualifications
- Experience: 3 years of proven experience in production planning, scheduling, or a related role within a manufacturing or engineering project-based environment.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or Business Administration.
- Technical expertise:
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and scheduling software.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
- Knowledge of demand forecasting and inventory management techniques.
- Certifications (preferred): APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management) CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional).
- Analytical skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities, with meticulous attention to detail to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and present findings to management.
- Leadership and influence: The ability to influence and guide cross-functional teams to achieve production goals and drive process improvements.
- Adaptability: Capability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly to changing demands in a fast-paced environment.
With more than 3000 employees worldwide, we offer challenging and rewarding work experiences, competitive compensation and generous employee benefits and a strong company culture. If you are looking for a global publicly traded company that provides you with international experience and a challenging work environment, then Cohu is your choice.
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