Material Planner

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Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Material Planner (MP) is responsible for material planning, forecasting, warranty and repair processing, purchasing, and import/export of Metrology equipment parts to support Semiconductor Metrology Division's (SMD) operations. This position will interface with both Japanese and domestic suppliers as well as customers and engineers handling current and emerging purchasing and supply chain issues including any other related duties/responsibilities assigned by managers. This is a critical role in the organization, managing up to $6M of inventory. The MP also provides direct and backup support to customer service.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Work with key business partners and senior leadership to fully understand strategic direction and supply requirements, corporate business objectives and priorities to develop plans and global/regional strategies for procurement of spare parts
* Develop and implement processes and improvements using complex data analysis to ensure internal and external customer requirements are met and minimize excess and obsolete inventory
* Responsible for identifying opportunities for cost control management and consistently looking for improvements (better vendor terms, prices, volume discount, freight allowances, etc.) to aid in creating additional value for our customers
* Responsible for sourcing new products, replacements of existing products, and second-source alternatives
* Proactively managing vendor performance, including quality, lead times, and consistency
* Review and maintenance of all setup in ERP system and Communicate with suppliers, process orders, and monitor purchasing activities
* Collaborate with internal Service District Managers and Sales Admin Manager to execute inventory and financial plans, managing stock levels, and address overstocks to ensure a healthy inventory
* Lead efforts to develop and maintain highly accurate product demand forecasts using Spotfire and SAP, collaborating with other internal departments to incorporate product knowledge, market data, and business plans to ensure the highest possible service rates
* Provide regular analysis of business trends and recommendations that support effective inventory management to Senior Service management & the Sales Admin team
* Ensure team collaboration with vendors to facilitate timely and accurate demand forecasts to support financial objectives
* Interface with customers, suppliers, engineers, and representatives from Hitachi Japan to perform and maintain purchasing and warranty/repair issues
* Communicate with engineers and/or Hitachi Japan to gain critical information needed for classifications
* Responsible for managing consignment inventory and replenish stock used
* Responsible for international shipping documents and bookings, tracking and clearance
* Forecast, plans, and schedules Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) for assigned products
* Analyze the output of MRP for assigned products initiating purchase requisitions or sub-contract purchase orders (PO) to obtain the required materials
* Maintain purchasing, materials, and pricing records in SAP
* Expedite parts and material with the factory and other suppliers. Works very closely with all types of vendors
* Coordinate Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) issues, help with the disposition of RMA, and generate documents for possible rebuild or repair
* Coordinate field service physical inventories and assist with physical inventories for regular sales stock
* Coordinate with Customer Service to drop shipments to customers
* Review open PO reports to follow-up with suppliers on delivery dates to ensure on time delivery
* Ability to generate analysis in the daily operation activities for management review
* Analyze inventory levels and monthly usage to determine appropriate re-order points or gain input for forecasted demand
* Preparing daily/weekly/monthly purchasing related reports
* Ensure continuous improvement of team skills, capabilities, product knowledge, and processes
* Support development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with objectives of the purchasing department
* Provide backup support to:
* Assist customer service calls
* Assist sales order entry

* Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, LICENSES, AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

* Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
* APICS or ISM certification a plus

EXPERIENCE AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

* Three (3) years of experience in material planning, inventory control, warranty, and repair handling, purchasing, and/or customer service
* Experience and knowledge of Systems, Applications and Products (SAP), Spotfire, or other MRP operating system
* International import/export training or experience is a plus
* Understand basic business practices as they relate to shipping, receiving, accounts payable, account receivable and general accountability for materials
* Less than 10% travel required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

* Must read, write, and speak English fluently
* Ability to communicate in Japanese is a plus
* Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
* Have excellent oral and written communication skills
* Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work independently
* Must be able to work within a team environment
* Strong technical, analytical and problem solving skills
* Effective presentation and negotiation skills are required
* Must be detail oriented, organized, and able to make complex and timely decisions
* Ability to coordinate with multiple departments and divisions
* Must be dependable and punctual
* Must have flexible working schedule that would allow for occasional long hours to complete projects and/or meet deadlines
* Portray professionalism and pride in appearance
* Provide a positive attitude to all employees and vendors
* Comply and adhere to company policies

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected]