Production Planner

Coherent•Pine Brook, NJ

18d

About The Position

The Production Planner works with the Division Production Planner to ensure production schedules are met at the New Jersey site. The role monitors operations to maintain process and product quality, maximize yields and efficiencies, minimize scrap and waste, and ensure safe practices. It manages production activity, product flow, lead times, backlogs, and inventory to support customer orders and business needs, while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction and acting on corrective actions. The position supports the development of new products and processes by understanding and documenting equipment and labor capacity and capability. It schedules production, including research and development and process-improvement activities, and monitors work-in-process and finished-goods inventory. The planner investigates excess inventory, communicates its causes, and supports solutions. The role also participates in regular meetings, expedites problems, communicates issues, and applies Process Value Chain methods to process improvement. The position requires cooperation, adaptability, a positive attitude, and responsibility for maintaining a quality work environment. It serves as a role model for quality, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and business results. The role requires compliance with applicable export-control regulations; candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR. Employees must follow site and corporate EHS procedures, attend required training, and use protective equipment as required. Depending on location, the position may be responsible for executing and maintaining applicable quality and environmental management standards, including ISO 9000, 9001, and 14001. The employee is expected to adhere to the company’s ICARE values.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or Manufacturing Operations Management, or directly related work experience.
Two to four years of manufacturing experience.
Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR: a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or protected individual.
Comply with all applicable export-control regulations.
Experience with problem analysis and resolution.
Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently and with others.
Ability to recommend and implement improvements.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Experience with networked PC-based systems, including MS Office, spreadsheets, Access, graphics, email, MRP systems, and accounting software.
Experience using SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
Ability to develop and implement long-range capacity and capability plans.
Ability to manage multiple priorities involving internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively in a cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environment.
Ability to handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
High standard of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and competency.
Ability to attend scheduled training, follow EHS procedures, and use PPE as required.

Nice To Haves

Manufacturing experience in a high-technology environment.
Experience performing labor and equipment time studies.
Training in lean manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

Work with the Division Production Planner to ensure production schedules are met at the New Jersey site.
Monitor operations to maintain process and product quality, maximize yields and efficiencies, minimize scrap and waste, and ensure safe practices.
Manage production activities, product flow, lead times, and backlogs to fulfill customer orders and business needs.
Monitor and maintain inventory at appropriate levels, including work-in-process and finished goods.
Investigate reasons for excess inventory, flag items with explanations, communicate findings, and support solutions.
Understand and document equipment and labor capacity and capability for new products and processes.
Schedule production, including research and development and process-improvement activities.
Maintain and act on corrective actions as appropriate.
Attend daily and weekly meetings with relevant personnel; expedite problems and communicate issues as required.
Use Process Value Chain methods for process improvements.
Maintain a cooperative, adaptable, positive approach and a quality work environment.
Model quality, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and business results.
Follow applicable export-control regulations, site EHS procedures, and corporate EHS standards; attend required training and use required PPE.
Depending on location and role responsibilities, execute and maintain applicable quality and environmental management system standards.
Adhere to the company’s ICARE values.