Planner

Compal USA Technology is a leading advanced manufacturing company specializing in the production of next-generation AI servers, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise technology solutions.

With rapidly expanding operations in Taylor and Georgetown TX, we are investing more than $235 million in manufacturing infrastructure and creating up to 1,500 careers in Central Texas. Guided by our commitment to Building Tomorrow ™, we combine innovation, operational excellence, and a high-performance culture to shape the future of technology manufacturing.

The Planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and continuously improving demand forecasts to support production planning, inventory optimization, and overall supply chain performance. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Warehouse, Inventory Control, Customer Service, and other cross-functional teams to align customer demand with production capacity while maintaining optimal inventory levels.

The ideal candidate is analytical, data-driven, and highly collaborative, with experience in demand planning, forecasting methodologies, ERP systems, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP). This position plays a critical role in ensuring material availability, minimizing inventory risk, and supporting operational excellence in a fast-paced electronics manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve weekly, monthly, and long-range demand forecasts using historical sales data, statistical forecasting methods, market trends, and business intelligence.
• Analyze demand patterns, forecast accuracy, and customer requirements to identify risks and opportunities.
• Create demand plans for new product introductions (NPI), product transitions, and end-of-life (EOL) products.
• Maintain forecast assumptions and communicate significant demand changes to stakeholders.

Inventory Planning & Optimization

• Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with Warehouse, Inventory Control, Procurement, and Production Planning teams to maintain appropriate inventory while minimizing excess stock and shortages.
• Recommend inventory strategies that improve inventory turns while maintaining customer service levels.
• Identify slow-moving and excess inventory and support mitigation plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Procurement, Warehouse, Customer Service, Sales, Engineering, and Finance to align demand plans with production capacity and supply availability.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings by providing demand analysis, forecasts, and recommendations.
• Support capacity planning by communicating forecast changes and production requirements.

Data Analysis & Performance Management

• Monitor and improve key planning metrics, including:
• Forecast Accuracy
• Forecast Bias
• Inventory Turns
• Customer Service Levels
• Stock Availability
• Perform root cause analysis for forecast variances and implement corrective actions.
• Develop reports and dashboards that support business decision-making.

ERP & System Management

• Maintain planning data within SAP or other ERP/demand planning systems to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Generate reports, planning analyses, and forecast models using SAP and Microsoft Excel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning processes, system utilization, and data quality.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve forecasting methodologies, planning processes, and inventory performance.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the supply chain organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, production planning, or supply chain planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of demand forecasting methodologies and inventory planning principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within electronics manufacturing, EMS, SMT, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of statistical forecasting techniques and demand planning software.
• Experience participating in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.
• Familiarity with inventory optimization and supply planning concepts.
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Experience working with large datasets and business intelligence/reporting tools.

Technical Competencies

• Demand Forecasting & Statistical Analysis
• Inventory Planning & Optimization
• ERP Systems (SAP)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel & Data Analysis
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Supply Chain Analytics
• KPI Measurement & Forecast Accuracy
• Capacity Planning
• Root Cause Analysis
• Continuous Process Improvement

Behavioral Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Planning & Organization
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Effective Communication
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Why Join Compal USA Technology?

At Compal USA Technology, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to one of the world's leading electronics manufacturing organizations as we continue expanding our U.S. operations. You'll work alongside talented professionals in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement drive success.

What You'll Gain

• Join a rapidly growing U.S. manufacturing operation backed by a global technology leader.
• Make a direct impact on supply chain performance and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Warehouse, and Operations.
• Drive planning initiatives that improve forecast accuracy, inventory optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Build your career in a dynamic, high-growth environment.