Demand Planner

SMC Corporation of America - US SMC Pneumatics, Inc - CAN - Noblesville, IN

Full-time

Noblesville, IN

About the position

The Demand Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, coordinating, and monitoring products throughout the complete production cycle. This role involves utilizing manufacturing software, particularly Syteline and MRP, to ensure optimal inventory management and timely order fulfillment while supporting customer and corporate objectives.

Responsibilities

• Maintain scheduling practices that support customer, sales, internal operations, and corporate objectives.
• Utilize ERP software to schedule all incoming customer orders to achieve optimal due dates considering customer requested ship dates and production capability.
• Execute plans to ensure inventory procurement is processed to meet established due dates using cost-effective methods.
• Respond quickly to alleviate exceptions that could prevent delinquent orders or minimize negative impacts to customers or production.
• Effectively communicate with Production Management on a daily basis.
• Review demands and expedite with pertinent departments if customer or production demand changes.
• Offer possible solutions or alternatives to meet customer demand.
• Communicate concerns regarding the ability to meet priority requested ship dates with Inside Sales Support and Sales Divisions.
• Process requests to cancel, maintain, or update existing orders promptly.
• Aid on urgent orders and management expedites.
• Participate in New Product Introduction meetings to coordinate inventory procurement and production prototyping.
• Update item records and assist with Life Cycle Management steps and Engineering change notices.
• Generate and execute reports as needed to complete standard duties.
• Review on-order inventory levels and monitor adherence to planned purchases and documented procedures.
• Maintain and improve inventory policies for accurate forecasts.
• Track inventory levels of components, WIP, and raw materials.
• Assist Value Stream Managers in determining Expedite Allowance based on Top Management direction.
• Process and review outbound purchase orders to all vendors.
• Review and maintain the Item Initialization Process.
• Initiate actions based on periodic analysis results.
• Define appropriate inventory amounts based on parameters from Top Management, Supply Chain Management, or Material Management.
• Participate in periodic reviews of bin turn information and related report development.
• Facilitate the development of forecast information and its translation into inventory actions.
• Work to resolve labor and material shortages, backlogs, and other potential schedule interruptions.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by following 5S guidelines.
• Escalate unresolved concerns or issues to the direct supervisor.
• Assist or provide coverage for other Production Planners/Schedulers as necessary.

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in a related field (Business Administration, Materials Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management) is desired.
• Lean Six Sigma, CPIM, APICS certification preferred.
• 2 to 4 years of experience in a manufacturing/distribution related materials management or operations position.
• Knowledge of order point theories, JIT concepts, and MRP concepts is desired.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Proven expertise in project planning and managing large projects.
• High proficiency with Excel and experience in using Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication skills - both verbal and written.
• Extremely detail-oriented.
• Product life cycle knowledge (new designs), lead time work around planning, subcontract management interface.
• Ability to interface with Senior Management, Project Managers, Systems Engineers, Direct Customers, and Financial Analysts.