Production Planner

Kalle USA LLC is a market leader in the production of casings and nettings for the meat processing industry. In the US we employ more than 300 people at two locations, Illinois and California. For our plant in Gurnee, IL. we are looking for a Production Planner.

JOB PURPOSE:This Supply Chain Planner will support the supply chain department in various capacities such as purchasers, planner, forecaster, analyst, customer service representative and/or WH employee to such an extent that this position is able to step in and fulfill those responsibilities if called upon to do so whenever events prevent the primary person from fulfilling those obligations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Extract data from ERP system and schedule in excel. Continue to monitor updates, maintains accuracy production schedule.
• Analyzes plant capacities and performs mathematical calculations to determine if production schedule is attainable.
• Ensures production schedule supports sales plan and inventory targets (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock, etc.).
• Provide key reports on a routine basis that track departmental KPI’s as requested, i.e., inventory reports, aged and obsolete material.
• Communicate concerns regarding manufacturing performance issues as necessary.
• Planning and managing customer forecasts for purchasing finished goods.
• Planning and managing inventory levels of critical parts / products to provide excellent customer service while minimizing working capital costs and obsolescence.
• Managing relationships with select suppliers to eliminate constraints and meet objectives.
• Managing the movement of product into and out of obsolete/aged inventory category.
• Analyze, create, edit, track, and receive purchase orders for select suppliers / vendors
• Develop monthly and quarterly inventory targets and manage procurement to achieve targeted inventory levels on both a cost and unit basis and to achieve desired inventory turn targets.
• Support product development initiatives by ensuring all materials are available to fulfill launch requirements.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Retains and comprehends information to receive and follow instructions, read, interpret, compare and analyze data, identify issues requiring further attention, correct issues within the framework of responsibility and communicate with others to provide or obtain information.
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility to changing priorities, deadlines, demands and assignments while maintaining cohesive and harmonious working relationships.
• Communication skills: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals and technical data. Ability to write correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and peers. Ability to explain information in a clear and impartial manner.
• Work approaches: Routinely interacts with employees within own department; routinely interacts with others in the organization
• Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with others related to learning, problem solving, backup support and fostering team support.
• Completes required documentation
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication, and presentation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, manage time, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is highly desirable.
• 5 years of related experience in manufacturing environment: material planning, distribution, production, and scheduling experience.
• Mathematical skills: Ability to calculate and perform Algebra.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems [Made to Manage desired but not necessary].