Specialist II, Planner

The Planner will continuously drive improvement in the material planning function to minimize inventory, minimize risk related to part outages, and minimize overall logistics costs to the organization. Accountabilities:  Review of order model and placement of purchase ordersCoordinate and expedite the flow of materialsMaintain appropriate inventory levelsMaintenance of reorder model for material reviewImplementation of parts order process resulting from new product introduction, engineering changes, or substitutions.Communicate with logistics and sourcing buyers to establish and maintain lowest freight costBilling resolution with suppliersPerform various materials related projects and analysis as assignedCommunicate with sourcing buyers on issues relating to supplier performance and inventory changesCommunicate with operations on shortages, anticipated shortages, expediting status, etc.Communicate with vendors and plant personnel in resolving receiving / shipping issuesCoordinate containment of out of spec material.  Work closely with SQE to resolve vendor quality issues.Back up other members of the materials team.Maintain a shop floor presence (OBKA, LPA, IRA, Kaizen, SQE, etc.)Ability to travel up to 5% (Supplier Visits, MBCI Facilities, etc.)     Knowledge, Skills & Experience:  Ability to communicate with all levels of management and suppliers both verbally and in writingKnowledge of basic functionality in Microsoft Excel (ability to modify formulas, import and export data, filter data)Knowledge of basic functionality in Microsoft WordExperience with integrated materials / production systems (MRP, ERP, Oracle).  Experience with configured bill of material systems preferred.AS400 / Oracle experience (ability to use and modify queries)Knowledge of basic Lean PrinciplesAbility to work with and maintain confidential informationAbility to work independently as well as in a team environmentAbility to prioritize tasks and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with minimal supervision.Ability to work under pressure and deadlinesExperience in a multi-site manufacturing environmentAttention to detailInitiative and drive to resolve problems and implement process improvements2+ years related manufacturing environment experience preferredEducation:Associate or higher degree preferred or equivalent work related experience