Wave Planner

Sleep Number•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

The Wave Planner plans, releases, and coordinates WMS workflow batches (“waves”) against outstanding volume for the operations team. In partnership with warehouse operations leaders, the role coordinates with Logistics, Transportation, Materials Planning, and Field Services to develop daily work plans and achieve production targets. The Wave Planner also contributes to identifying and implementing changes that improve efficiency and reduce waste. The position reports to the Centralized Wave Planning Supervisor, with a dotted line to warehouse operations leaders. Work may include coverage for multiple sites or areas of wave planning, including ADC, Order Fulfilment, Parts & Warranty, and Bedding. Performance is assessed by adherence to daily shipping schedules, minimizing operational downtime due to insufficient work or workflow disruptions, and maximizing productivity through effective work scheduling. The role is performed in a warehouse or distribution environment, with exposure to material-handling equipment, moderate noise, and personal protective equipment. The schedule must be flexible to support business needs, volume fluctuations, early starts, and occasional nights and weekends.

Requirements

2–3 years of similar experience in a distribution, fulfillment, or manufacturing environment.
Experience with WMS systems is required; Oracle is preferred.
Proficiency with WMS systems is desired.
Associate degree or equivalent experience required.
Demonstrated process-improvement and systematic process-improvement skills.
Experience with fundamental manufacturing and operations principles and practices.
Problem-solving and conflict-resolution experience.
Effective organizing, planning, and time-management skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to investigate and troubleshoot production problems.
Strong written and verbal business communication skills.
Ability to influence others.
Ability to work flexibly to support business needs and volume fluctuations, including early starts and occasional nights and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Formal Lean or Six Sigma training.
Oracle WMS experience.

Responsibilities

Review daily backlog and orders and plan WMS waves based on priority, ensuring orders ship within the required window and supporting customer delivery schedules and an optimized outbound transportation plan.
Create and maintain a weekly truck plan and build strategy with local leadership and stakeholders such as Transportation.
Plan and release orders and replenishments to meet schedules and quality standards and optimize the WMS.
Communicate as needed with Transportation, Materials Planning, Field Services, and Operations to plan, coordinate, and resolve daily workflow issues.
Work with Logistics to resolve issues with outstanding orders.
Govern and signal systematic material movement within the warehouse in compliance with FIFO principles.
Monitor waves to maintain production rates and coordinate with warehouse teams to ensure work is processed promptly and efficiently.
Research and resolve exceptions.
Handle special requests, including expedited requests, special handling instructions, and alternate shipping requests.
Contribute to identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities in wave-planning processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.