Planning Associate

About the role

Entry level position in 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.

Key responsibilities

• Provides entry-level professional support in the planning of a production schedule for designated product(s)
• Consolidates customer forecasts; performs Master Production Schedule (MPS) / Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) inputting and validation
• Manages parameters 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

About you

• 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 the 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