Production Planner I

Description

Position Summary:

Our Production Planner I plays a crucial role in optimizing material requirements and scheduling to meet customer delivery commitments. Working closely with the Planning Manager, this role requires a strong analytical mindset with an aptitude for data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate will utilize data analytics to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and drive informed business decisions. This position interfaces with multiple departments, including Engineering, Product Management, Sales, Manufacturing, Customer Service, Finance, and Supply Chain, ensuring a well-coordinated and effective planning process.

Key Responsibilities

Material Planning:

• Utilize data analytics to assess demand, identify trends, and drive inventory optimization.
• Release kitting projects to the Stockroom, ensuring alignment with schedules for projects, subassemblies, and other production requirements.
• Monitor minimum on-hand quantities and minimum order quantities, balancing customer service levels with inventory cost control.
• Analyze and monitor total raw and consignment inventory while implementing inventory reduction strategies.
• Track inventory shortages, provide data-driven insights, and communicate effectively with Supply Chain.
• Evaluate sales orders and project requirements, offering planning support based on quantitative assessments.
• Create and release jobs (work orders) for production, R&D, and spare part orders, leveraging data tools for accuracy.
• Review inventory levels to identify and recommend disposition for excess or obsolete products based on historical data trends.
  
  

Software & Data Analytics

• Maintain accurate parameters and settings within material master and planning modules to improve forecasting and scheduling accuracy.
• Utilize query design tools and data visualization software to compile custom reports that drive business decisions.
• Develop, document, and test new data-driven processes and procedures within a software test environment.
  
  

Engineering & Product Management

• Review, process, and implement engineering change orders and configuration modifications with a focus on data accuracy.
• Ensure BOMs, work orders, and material disposition align with engineering changes using data validation techniques.
• Work with the Engineering team to maintain accurate data transfers between Engineering and Epicor.
• Identify and track obsolete OEM components, ensuring accurate material master data and BOM structures.
• Participate in daily engineering stand-up meetings, using data insights to highlight supply chain bottlenecks and relay key issues.
  
  

Purchasing & Supply Chain Analytics

• Conduct weekly material shortage analyses, leveraging data analytics to identify root causes and forecast future needs.
• Lead shortage meetings, providing comprehensive reports and actionable insights to buyers.
  
  

General

• Continuously seek process improvement opportunities through data analysis and automation.
• Act as a change agent, recommending and leading data-driven initiatives to improve planning efficiency.
• Perform other duties as required.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Requirements

Qualifications:

High School diploma (or equivalent certification) with four (4) years’ experience in manufacturing planning or a related field.

OR

Associate Degree in Business or a related Supply Chain discipline preferred with two (2) years’ experience in manufacturing planning.

AND

Certification (CPIM and/or CIRM) through APICS is desirable.Strong working knowledge of MRP systems and planning/analysis in an MRP, computer-based environment.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency in ERP or MRP systems, with a data-driven approach to planning.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in Excel, Power BI, or other data visualization tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively interdepartmentally and externally with vendors and subcontractors.
• High computer literacy, with experience using Windows-based software: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and database management tools.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Employees must be aware of and adhere to the applicable Safety & Health, Quality, and Environmental processes of Plasma-Therm, LLC.
  
  

This role is ideal for someone who is highly analytical, enjoys working with data, and is eager to leverage analytics to drive continuous improvement in production planning and supply chain efficiency.

Plasma-Therm is an equal employment opportunity employer, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws for qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran or disability status. When requested and necessary, we provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.