Position Overview:

Responsible for managing customer demand and coordinating all requirements for manufacturing processes to ensure a controlled flow of approved materials. Position has frequent contact with machine operators, scheduler/coordinators, buyers, manufacturing process engineers, internal customer service representatives and external sales representatives, ensuring the fulfillment of customer requirements and attainment of plant shipping goals

Knowledge & Skills Summary:

• In depth knowledge of JIT/Lean Manufacturing and the ability to apply JIT production methods such as Kanban to the tasks of material planning and inventory control.
• Knowledge of MPS/MRP systems and concepts and a demonstrated ability to integrate these concepts with JIT and Lean Manufacturing.
• Ability to effectively apply continuous improvement methods to the planning function (e.g. pull systems, process mapping, JIT) and related areas.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present information to team members, other team leaders and top management.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Needs to be well organized and able to multi-task.
• Able to communicate clearly to people from a variety of functional areas and backgrounds.
• Good attention to detail is essential.
• Ability to read and interpret production drawings as well as understand manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with SAP is a plus. Knowledge of Excel and Word. Knowledge of Access or Query a plus.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to effectively demonstrate team member competencies and participate in goal-setting, performance feedback, and self-development activities.

Essential Duties:

• Promise customer orders based on lead-time availability of raw materials, capacity, and other limiting factors
• Monitor production activity and develop action plans to optimize work center effectiveness; supporting continuous fulfillment of customer requirements.
• Monitor and develop action plans to manage aged and obsolete inventory for assign- ed areas.
• Initiate investigations and involve required key personnel to resolve problems that may impact scheduled shipments.
• Maintain system-based parameters for lead-time, lot quantity and safety stock level.
• Coordinate and manage scheduling of production matching requirements with available capacity and communication with customer, category and logistics teams.
• Coordinate requirements, purchases, manage inventory levels in order to support production schedules while minimizing inventory.
• Maintain bill of materials database and inventory reporting systems.
• Assist in developing improved procedures and automation of manual systems.
• Advise management of the status of work in progress, material availability, and potential production problems to ensure that personnel, equipment, materials, and services are provided as needed.
• Prepare work orders or purchase requests for the production or purchase of components or parts to support a master production schedule, shop load, and inventory requirements.
• Coordinate material movements between internal work and storage areas and/or outside processing or suppliers to ensure materials are available when needed.
• Schedule and expedite the movement of parts by means of move orders and/or stock transfers to meet customer shipping dates.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Engineering, Inventory Control, Shipping and Receiving, and Contract Administration to ensure a smooth flow of materials through the production process and consistent information about status and priorities.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques and methods to internal processes and systems to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing technical or trade publications, establishing networks, and/or participating in professional associations.
• Voice of the customer. Effectively communicates customer issues and priorities to operations in a timely manner.

Education and Experience:

• JIT / Lean Manufacturing experience required.
• APICS certification a plus.
• 5-7 Years of planning experience
• B.S. in related field preferred