Planning Associate

General Overview

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

• 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.