Material Planning Specialist

SUMMARY

The Material Resource Planner will possess knowledge and experience in a planning environment with strengths in balancing material inventories with the needs of a highly variable demands. The selected individual shall establish proactive communications with program managers, buyers, and order fulfillment and outage support specialists, to obtain confidence in delivery commitments and strive to achieve internal requirements. The MRP shall also drive problem resolutions of multiple complexities, engage in initiatives for process improvements, assist in safety stock, EOQ’s and cost reductions with the sourcing team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• On Time Delivery and Fill Rate of 100%
• Work with Sourcing and Order Fulfillment to ensure on time delivery or assist schedule changes that may need to go to sourcing to act upon.
• Work with sales and customer service on parts availability.
• Work with the quality department to prioritize incoming inspection of parts and any QN’s.
• Based upon cycle counts, reconciliation of MRP reports adjust purchase requisitions or purchase orders as required.
• Communicate with production the need for production orders in support of customer demands and forecasts to update MRP and eliminate shortages.
• Review MRP controllers assigned to planner daily.
• Update purchase part standard cost and lead-time in the ERP system.
• Ensure all production order lines are free from part shortages.
• Ensure on hand quantities, material receipts, MRP data, shipping quantities and data integrity is complete and accurate.
• Review open and late purchase order report routinely to preclude shortages.
• Place orders for purchase parts as dictated by MRP requirements.
• Participate in forecasting and inventory management to avoid shortages.
• Participate in new part creation and database adjustments in the ERP system.
• Evaluate, coordinate, and provide leadership in the disposition of slow-moving obsolete inventory.
• Initiate outbound deliveries for stock transfer orders and subcontract supplied parts.
• Disposes of non-conforming and obsolete parts, following procedures and guidelines.
• Participate in training courses and programs as they relate to overall business and personal development, as well as product related developments.
• Perform other such duties as may be required.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures reporting all unsafe activities to management and/or Human Resources.
  • Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
  • Contribute to building a positive team spirit.
  • Communication effectively with peers, subordinates, superiors, internal and external customers in a professional, responsive, and responsible manner.
  • Protect confidential information by not communicating, disclosing to, or using for benefit of 3rd parties.
  • Maintain the highest degree of honesty and integrity at all times.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EDUCATION

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A college degree or equivalent is required.  Any APICS training and/or certification is desirable.

• This position requires a minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a manufacturing organization, with prior experience with material planning and production control as well as in-depth knowledge of Material Resource Planning process and inventory management best practices.

• Knowledge and experience with SAP is a must.
• Knowledge of import / export processes as well as Foreign Trade Zone activities.
• The individual must possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the inter-relationship of the following processes: receiving, storage and retrieval of inventory, kitting, assemblies and sub-assemblies, manufacturing, shipping and distribution.
• Demonstrated a high degree of planning, organizational, analytical, and financial skills and be able to partner and communicate with all levels of an organization from hourly associates to senior management.

• Ability to analyze and explain selected variances between actual inventory and system inventory.

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree (BS/BA.) from four-year College or university, preferably in Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management or Business Management; or at least five (5) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience within the inventory control environment.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Computer Skills: Basic personal computer skills including electronic mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and basic database.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Occasionally required to stand and walk. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Hearing protection may be recommended and/or required in some areas.