Job Summary 

The Materials Planner I role is responsible for purchasing components required for manufacturing department and/or other areas as assigned, managing execution of DPA’s (Demand Planning Agreements) in support of key Customers, managing component and finished good inventory levels, as well as planning the release of work orders to production based on incoming Customer orders, production capacity and availability of components in stock. The Materials Planner I has the primary day-to-day responsibility for ensuring the reliable flow of components from suppliers to the production floor and releasing work orders, as required to meet Customer orders.  The Materials Planner I position is a key role within our strategic plan as we drive to balance 95% on-time Customer delivery while lowering inventory dollars.  Candidate must be able to balance immediate and long-term priorities.  This includes responsibility for profitability, inventory levels, capacity planning, on-time shipment, and cost control. The Materials Planner I will collaborate closely with Product Management, Production, Strategic Purchasing and Customer Service to support the RBU’s overall growth plan. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop and manage stock inventory levels for manufacturing based on usage and Customer stocking programs   
• Develop and manage Stocking/Replenishment program for products.  Stocking programs with suppliers to minimize inventory while maximizing flexibility.  Reduce lead time of components, resulting in reducing lead times to our Customers. 
• Issue purchase orders to component suppliers based on production demand and forecast 
• Determine component parts where forecasting should be used and coordinate with Strategic Purchasing on supplier-bonded inventory or blanket orders 
• Purchase components at the most favorable price consistent with quality, quantity, and specification requirements, as well as timely delivery of components 
• Manage component EOQ, MOQ, lead time, safety stock, and replenishment reorder point planning parameters 
• Provide reports on a regular basis on Customer demand planning agreements 
• Support new product development and project releases 
• Perform Production Planning functions within BaaN MRP modules 
• Based on incoming Customer orders, required ship dates, production capacity and available component inventory, release production orders to the shop floor 
• Perform daily functions within BaaN MRP modules to include: 
• Confirm and transfer purchase orders from MRP session 
• Release MRP and PRP production orders daily 
• Review product requirements and update work order schedules based on component availability and manufacturing lead time 
• Revise and coordinate production schedules with manufacturing based on customer demand 
• Establish and coordinate, with manufacturing, the priority in which work orders are kitted, released, and scheduled in production 
• Interface with Customer Service, Production, Shipping/Receiving, Quality, Strategic Purchasing, Engineering and Product Management 
• Meet inventory targets on assigned product lines 
• Coordinate, as appropriate, quality matters and engineering changes/developments between company activities and suppliers 
• Proactively report product and material availability issues 
• Maintain Item Master Data and revise essential planning data to ensure BaaN is effectively planning for future requirements 
• Plan, schedule, and monitor the movement of materials through the development, prototype, and production cycle 
• Expedite orders, as necessary. Identify actual and potential delivery problems and take proactive steps to inform appropriate personnel 
• Implement improvement processes to reduce inventory and non-value-added work 
• Demonstrate initiative by understanding what actions need to be taken and completing the required tasks while seeking the perspective of others as required. 
• Demonstrate an honest and forthright presence by taking responsibility for own mistakes and not blaming others, and by doing what he / she commits to doing. 
• Work as a team player to make a difference within the business and express gratitude and appreciation to others who have provided information, assistance, or support. 
• Readily handle change through taking advantage of lifelong learning opportunities and being open minded and curious in the face of new challenges. 
• Other duties as assigned by ones manager. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or Supply Chain Logistics 
• APICS Certification is preferred 
• Enhanced knowledge of Kan Ban and LEAN techniques is preferred. 
• Working knowledge of MRP systems required. 
• Previous experience in a production planning role in a manufacturing environment is highly desired.  
• Advanced Computer knowledge in Microsoft Office is required 
• Basic Print reading is preferred 
• Strong Organizational, Communication and Leadership skills 
• Must be able to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks and be detail oriented with a high level of accuracy 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with limited supervision 
• Must be a self-starting, motivated  individual, open to taking on challenges and finding ways to succeed 
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to balance immediate and long-term priorities 
• Ability to work effectively with others and have a collaborative attitude  
• Project management skills 
• Read, analyze, and interpret general business documents, technical procedures, and drawings  
• Ability to manage and manipulate system data and parameters to ensure company stocking levels and Customer service levels 
• Work independently, establish priorities and make decisions 
• Time management skills 

Essential Job Functions  

• Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Some ability in spoken/written German is helpful. 
• Must be available for occasional business trips when required, including international travel, for periods of up to 10 working days 
• Able to sit or stand continually for four hours without a break 
• Able to use computer for four hours without a break 
• Attendance in accordance with Company policies 
• Able to drive to local supplier, in own vehicle (with reimbursement), at short notice 
• Able to work 6-day week, if required 
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds 
• Regular and on-time attendance.    

Perks & Benefits 

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, life insurance, short & long-term disability, on-site gym access, health & wellbeing center, on-site café, walking trails, tuition assistance, and more!  

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