Product Planner Co-op

Posted:
9/2/2024, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Minnesota, United States

Experience Level(s):
Internship

Field(s):
Customer Success & Support

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life. 

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of fast-moving, growing company – especially candidates committed to quality, innovation and solving customer problems. Graco was proud to be named a Best Place to Work in Manufacturing and Production by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021. 

To forecast, plan, and schedule assigned products to meet customer needs in the most timely and efficient manner.  Meet customer service level objectives and planned inventory objectives.

We are looking for a candidate that is interested in a Product Planning Co-0p that will run from January-August 2025.

What will you do at Graco?

  • Forecast

    • Maintain a working knowledge of forecasting methods and processes and learn any new system enhancements provided in the forecasting system and recommend improvements.

    • Ensure forecasting system is maintained and daily, weekly and monthly maintenance is preformed and exceptions are analyzed. Forecasts adjusted as required and driving the correct requirements to meet demand.

    • Use GAINS to create, adjust and maintain product and component forecast to drive the Oracle planning system.

    • Communicate with marketing to refine and improve data to accurately forecast product.

  • Planning

    • Plan all purchased and manufactured parts utilizing the best ordering approach. EOQ, min/max, fixed days, Kanban, MRP, etc

    • Ensure accurate planning parameters are set in planning systems – GAINS, Oracle

    • Schedule manufacturing orders and ensure customer requirements are met.

    • Plan capacity of assigned area and sub-contract work if necessary.

    • Give work direction and prioritize schedules on the shop floor.

    • Communicate with customer service to align prioritizes to meet customers requirements

  • Purchasing

    • Plan and execute the flow of externally procured material from the supplier into the factory for assigned products ensuring inventory optimization and flow of material.

    • Ensure planning information is communicated with suppliers in a timely manner. Phase out, delivery changes, etc.

    • Work with suppliers on establishing Kanban agreements to reduce inventory and lead-time.

    • Proactively communicate supply shortages to appropriate personnel.

  • Inventory

    • Manage inventory to ensure cell objectives are met and in line with company objectives.

    • Manage assigned product to meet customer service and inventory plans.

    • Manage surplus and obsolete inventory and actively disposition inventory if required

  • Improvements

    • Identify and implement best business material planning strategies to support corporate and divisional objectives, providing Graco a competitive advantage in all areas of the supply chain.

    • Define, drive and implement process improvements and systems improvements for materials activities. Provide timely, accurate results to streamline and improve processes.

    • Effectively represent material planning on cross-functional teams within Graco.
      Drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the supply chain.

  • Reporting

    • Report on areas such as inventory and service levels

    • Perform other duties as assigned

What will you bring to Graco?

  • Must be either a Sophomore or Junior in College, working on receiving a Bachelors degree in Business or Supply Chain Management.

  • Good verbal and written communication skills

  • Knowledge of Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing concepts, practices, and procedures.
    Competent PC skills

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Proven Quality. Leading Technology. Launch your career with Graco!

Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and opportunities for both professional development and career progression. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k) and tuition reimbursement.

Our expectations are high. That's why we are always looking to hire the brightest and the best!