Order Planning & Process Specialist- Parts

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Order Planning and Process Specialist - Parts is responsible for coordinating daily sales order planning activities, managing fulfillment exceptions, and ensuring efficient order flow across Parts operations. This role serves as the primary planning resource for the organization while also supporting process standardization, SOP administration, operational data integrity, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

The position works closely with Customer Operations, Distribution, Warehousing, Purchasing, and Sales teams to optimize order fulfillment, improve process consistency, enhance data quality, and support operational performance across Parts operations. 

KEY DELIVERABLES 

Order Planning & Execution 

• Coordinate daily planning and prioritization of sales order fulfillment activities across multiple locations. 
• Monitor order flow and proactively identify risks impacting customer delivery commitments. 
• Investigate and resolve order management exceptions while driving timely corrective actions. 
• Support workload balancing and capacity planning across warehouses and fulfillment centers. 
• Collaborate with Sales, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Customer Operations teams to ensure efficient order execution. 
• Maintain process discipline within order management activities and support adherence to established procedures. 
• Develop, maintain, and communicate operational performance metrics related to order fulfillment, planning effectiveness, exception management, and process compliance. 

Process Standardization & Data Integrity 

• Coordinate the administration, maintenance, and periodic review of departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and supporting documentation. 
• Coordinate document review cycles, revisions, approvals, publication, and communication activities.  
• Ensure process documentation and operational data remain accurate, current, and aligned with business requirements.  
• Support adherence to documented procedures and identify opportunities to improve process consistency. 
• Identify opportunities to strengthen process consistency and data integrity across Parts operations. 

Continuous Improvement & Change Management 

• Identify operational inefficiencies and opportunities for process optimization.  
• Support system enhancements, business process changes, and operational improvements.  
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective actions.  
• Support change management activities, training coordination, and implementation tracking.  
• Track improvement initiatives through completion. 

KEY ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Strategically plan and prioritize daily sales order fulfillment activities to meet customer delivery requirements and operational objectives.  
• Monitor order flow, identify fulfillment risks, and resolve order management exceptions that impact customer service, delivery performance, or operational efficiency.  
• Coordinate with Sales, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Warehousing teams to ensure effective order execution and workload balancing across locations.  
• Analyze operational performance, order trends, and workload demands to support planning decisions and continuous improvement opportunities.  
• Develop, maintain, and communicate reports and performance metrics related to order fulfillment, planning effectiveness, process compliance, and exception management.  
• Review operational and transactional data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established business rules; investigate discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions as needed.  
• Support data quality, master data validation, and process improvement initiatives that improve operational accuracy and consistency. 
• Develop, maintain, and periodically review SOPs, work instructions, process maps, and related documentation to support standardized business processes.  
• Support implementation and communication of process changes, policy updates, system enhancements, and associated training activities.  
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, root cause investigations, and corrective action efforts focused on improving quality, efficiency, customer experience, and operational performance.  
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify opportunities for process standardization, operational improvements, and sustainable best practices across Parts operations.  
• Support cross-functional operational excellence initiatives, business process improvements, and special projects as assigned. 

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are: 

• Bachelor's degree is preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• 4+ years of experience in customer operations, order management, supply chain planning, logistics, or business process administration.  
• Experience working with ERP systems, preferably Oracle.  
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.  
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.  
• Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and business locations. 

Preferred 

• Experience developing SOPs, process documentation, work instructions, or training materials.  
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Knowledge of business process documentation, standardization practices, and continuous improvement principles.  
• Experience facilitating cross-functional improvement projects.  
• Experience performing process reviews, operational audits, or compliance activities. 
• Experience utilizing reporting and data analysis tools to support operational decision-making. 
• Experience with data validation, data quality management, or master data maintenance. 
• Understanding data standardization principles and data integrity best practices. 

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations 

• Does this role have supervisory or managerial responsibilities? NO 
• Does this role have budgetary or program management responsibilities? (must state if manager and above title with no direct reports). NO 

Our Culture and Values 

Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work.  

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers 
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business 
• Respect for all individuals 
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation 
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success 

Travel Requirements: 5% of travel, regional, international. Will work with various sites.