Planning Associate Full-time Job

Entry Level during which an employee receives both functional and organizational training under close supervision. Incumbents carry out assignments within well-defined practices, procedures and policies. Works independently on details of assignments, and has limited decision-making authority; most decisions are made or guided by the immediate supervisor. Decisions/actions may have an impact on the department/s/divisions goals. Works under close Supervision and requires direction on how assignments are to be executed; begins to put forward ideas on how work assignments can be executed. Establishes cooperative relationships to work effectively with colleagues; supports others and participates as a team member, and takes responsibility for own work commitments. Interacts directly with immediate supervisor, co-workers and team members; engages in routine exchanges of information; interactions with external contacts, if applicable, would be monitored.

Detailed Description

Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Provides entry-level professional support in the planning of a production schedule for a designated product(s).
• Consolidates customer forecasts; performs Master Production Schedule (MPS) / Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) inputting and validation.
• Has responsibility for parameter management and reporting for designated products.
• Ensures alignment of customer purchase orders with production scheduling.
• Assists with product End-of-Life analysis and development of action plans.
• Coordinates shop order releases and materials kitting requirements.
• Identifies parts shortages and works with appropriate people to expedite material and/or approve material substitution.
• Tracks shipments according to commit date to customer and notifies Planner of potential issues/problems.
• Provides Return Material Authorization (RMA) approvals.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Basic knowledge of production planning fundamentals, scheduling, materials requirements planning techniques and manufacturing control systems
• Basic knowledge of purchasing principles, techniques and philosophies.
• Knowledge of basic computer applications and the ability to learn and use multiple applications specific to this department including the ERP and office systems.
• Basic understanding of specific customer needs.
• Basic math, data entry and 10-key skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy and working under tight time deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate, prioritize and problem solve a variety of tasks to ensure their timely and accurate completion.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external customers.

Physical Demands

• Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment.
• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.
• Repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc.) are frequently required.

Typical Experience

• Zero to two years of relevant experience.

Typical Education

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or consideration of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Educational requirements may vary by geography.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.