Specialist, Materials/Planning

Wabtec•Fort Worth, TX

About The Position

As a member of the Global Operations Equipment group, the Materials/Planning Specialist provides materials management expertise to the operations team. The role maintains inventory accuracy, work order consumption, and ordering of direct materials. The specialist applies experience and expertise to solve problems, ensure process adherence, develop and execute objectives, and influence short-term and some long-term business goals. The position works closely with fulfillment and planning teams to forecast and prevent production part shortages, manage direct-material ordering and lineside presentation for production lines, and ensure accurate work orders and transactions as material requirements change. It also supports disposition of discrepant materials, inventory targets and physical inventory, and provides materials guidance and communication to management and colleagues. The specialist collaborates with cross-functional teams, follows applicable regulations and work rules, and uses MRP, quality, and MES software systems. The role engages with direct staff on a day shift schedule. Shop-floor work requires PPE and involves walking, climbing, stooping, bending, and lifting. Overtime may be requested as necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university; alternatively, an associate’s degree in a technical discipline with at least 2 years of professional work experience, or a high school diploma/GED with at least 4 years of operations or military experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work effectively on a team and serve as a positive change agent.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Ability to influence others and lead small teams.
Ability to lead initiatives of moderate scope and impact.
Ability to coordinate one to two projects simultaneously.
Strong problem-identification and solution skills.
Proven analytical and quality/process-improvement skills.
Willingness to take on tough challenges and grow professionally.
Ability to meet the physical demands of shop-floor work, including walking, climbing, stooping, bending, and lifting; PPE is required in the shop-floor environment.

Responsibilities

Work with fulfillment and planning teams to forecast and prevent part shortages that could affect production; escalate issues and communicate them to operations teams as needed.
Manage internal ordering and lineside management of direct materials for one or more production lines.
Ensure work-order and transactional accuracy as material requirements change for modernization and new-build locomotive programs.
Resolve dispositions for discrepant and non-conforming material in a timely manner.
Manage direct-material presentation on assigned production lines.
Meet inventory targets, including month-end and quarter-close processes, and maintain a high level of accuracy during annual physical inventory.
Provide daily materials guidance and clear communication to management and other employees.
Work as part of a cross-functional team with a focus on customer success within the shop.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, OSHA work practices, and industry- and site-specific work rules.
Use MRP, quality, and MES software systems to manage material and other systemic requirements.