Associate Material Planner

Trane Technologies • Columbia, SC

17h • Onsite

About The Position

As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. The Associate Material Planner plays a key role in supporting material planning and supplier delivery performance within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This highly tactical position is responsible for managing the flow of indirect purchases, drop-ship orders, and outside processing requirements, while also supporting inventory initiatives, purchasing coordination, and supplier-related invoice and payables issues. This role works cross-functionally to help ensure material availability, maintain accurate planning data, support replenishment strategies, and drive timely resolution of supply chain issues that could impact operations or customer commitments.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of supplier processes and capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of Kanban systems and PFEP.
• Ability to use sound judgment and prior experience to plan and accomplish goals.
• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to supporting internal and external customer needs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly across a variety of audiences.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others internally and externally.
• Comfort working in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to serve as a core team member at plant MDI (Manage Daily Improvement) boards.
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong Excel and general computer skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment.
• Strong problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, ownership mindset, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• High school diploma required.
• Minimum of 2 years in supply chain, materials management, manufacturing, or warehouse operations.
• Experience in operations, inventory management, MRP, and lean manufacturing processes.
• Experience with kanban and visual management.
• Proficiency with ERP and Microsoft Office applications
• Intermediate mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including working knowledge of algebra and geometry

Nice To Haves

• BS/BA degree in business or related field preferred.
• APICS (CPIM) or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute timely, cost-conscious procurement of production, inventory, and MRO items.
• Manage COUPA transactions and other indirect purchasing activities.
• Coordinate drop-ship orders and supplier outside processing orders.
• Partner with the required groups to resolve challenging delivery and material-flow requirements.
• Review open requirements, monitor supplier performance, and expedite orders as needed.
• Communicate and resolve supplier issues related to delivery, quality, and pricing in a timely manner.
• Proactively identify shortages, help determine root causes, and support corrective actions.
• Expedite deliveries to support critical production schedules and customer requirements.
• Maintain, expand, and update PFEP master data, including part sourcing, storage, packaging, labeling, and replenishment parameters.
• Review planning inputs with buyers to ensure accuracy of safety stock levels, ABC/XYZ classifications, minimum order quantities, lot sizes, and lead times.
• Monitor inventory performance and support efforts to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
• Perform part walks to validate part-related information and support process accuracy.
• Analyze and identify parts suitable for Kanban or supplier replenishment programs using accurate ERP data and by aligning planning parameters with buyers.
• Evaluate forecast risk, supplier lead times, and inventory exposure to support pre-buy decisions and customer commitments.
• Conduct process audits and ordering audits as needed.
• Leads and maintains departmental 5S boards
• Maintain supplies and organization of the KANBAN and MAIN copier areas.
• May provide direction to others in support of departmental and organizational objectives.
• Resolve accounts payable discrepancies in partnership with suppliers and finance.
• Foster teamwork by aligning individual responsibilities with team goals and business needs.
• Prioritize work effectively to ensure tasks are completed on time and efficiently.
• Respond quickly to problems to support operational continuity and customer satisfaction.
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Holistic wellness programs with generous incentives
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
• Paid time off includes 15 vacation days, 9 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED