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 role 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. Success is measured by performance to the daily shipping schedule, minimizing operations downtime caused by lack of work or disrupted workflow, and maximizing operations productivity through effective and efficient work scheduling.

Requirements

2–3 years of similar experience in a distribution, fulfillment, or manufacturing environment.
Experience with WMS systems is required; proficiency is desired.
Associate’s 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 in a warehouse or distribution environment with exposure to material handling equipment, moderate noise, and personal protective equipment.
Must be flexible with work schedule to support business needs and available for volume fluctuations, including early start times and occasional nights and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Review daily backlog and orders, and plan WMS waves based on priority to ensure orders ship within the required window and support customer delivery schedules and optimized outbound transportation plans.
Create and maintain weekly truck plans and build strategies in partnership with local leadership and stakeholders such as Transportation.
Plan and release orders and replenishments to ensure schedules and quality standards are met and the WMS is optimized.
Communicate daily as needed with Transportation, Materials Planning, Field Services, and Operations to plan, coordinate, and resolve 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 the warehouse team to ensure work is processed efficiently and on time.
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.