Assistant Planner Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Summary
The Planner will lead and support the development, implementation, and management of global strategies to provide FCE's Supply Chain Organization with optimal pricing, flexibility, quality and delivery performance, as well as supply assurance with an overall focus on maintaining long term supplier relationships and managing total costs of ownership to a minimum. The role will also be responsible for conducting various activities involving planning and procuring parts, components, equipment (such as tooling) and supplies to ensure continuous and uninterrupted flow of materials to Production, Field Service and R&D projects consistent with FCE policies and procedures.

The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan purchases for assigned products, projects and commodities and negotiate and implement appropriate buying methods, e.g. kanban
• Develop Purchase Requisition per procedural requirements and product specifications
• Issue purchase orders, confirm deliveries and expedite deliveries as required.
• Request bids from suppliers as needed
• Establish, maintain, monitor, and enhance internal kanban system to continuously meet production requirements
• Use various tools like MRP, BI reports, etc. to make sure appropriate inventory levels are maintained
• Maintain and publish accurate tracking systems to keep all stakeholders informed of any potential disruptions in supply chain
• Work closely with Supplier Development Engineer
• Develop strategic alliances with FCE suppliers to better understand their strengths, weaknesses, quality system, cost structure, changes
• Develop plans to alleviate any supply chain risks
• Assist Supplier Development Engineers to identify and qualify suppliers and negotiate best price for products/services
• Provide engineering staff with material planning, source and material support for product development projects
• Input Purchasing Data into ERP System (D-365) for the assigned commodity for new part numbers
• Ensure that all required Procurement data fields are correct and up to date in D-365
• Resolve invoicing and receiving issues with suppliers
• Develop and provide forecast to suppliers on quarterly basis using MRP and FCE Business plans
• Actively participate in MRB and ensure timely disposition of rejected material from supplier and assist /Engineering/Manufacturing
• Support the Engineering/Quality on corrective action and recovery plan for rejected materials
• Hold suppliers to define contractual service level by monitoring and measuring their performance and publishing scorecards for management reviews
• Establish standard cost for purchased items and maintain the standard cost files
• Maintain and update Material Master and Vendor Master data
• Maintain and update BOMs, based on Engineering input
• Establish and maintain planning strategies in the ERP environment
• Enter forecasts quarterly and annual sales and create production orders
• Help with other activities as needed to support production
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operation Management, or related field
• A minimum of 2 years of experience
• Customer-focused approach to dealing with internal and external stakeholders
• Uses market knowledge to mitigate obsolescence risks; proactively seek information to predict, understand and analyze obsolescence risks and develop appropriate strategies
• Intermediate experience utilizing an ERP system for production planning and/or purchasing (Microsoft D365 is a plus)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage priorities and deliver against the deadline
• A high degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to maintain excellent accuracy, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic and positive team attitude with the ability to work independently and/or as part of a team
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently with little supervision
  
• Work Conditions
  Multi-work environment (manufacturing, production, warehouse, office) requiring the use of PPE
  Full-time hours (40 hrs a week)
• Ability to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds
• Bending, sitting, standing, kneeling, repetitive tasks, and walking

Travel Requirements
Travel of up to 20% might be required for this role