Manufacturing Planner II

As a Manufacturing Planner II at Vast, your key responsibilities include developing production schedules based on demand forecasts, coordinating with procurement to ensure material availability, monitoring inventory levels, and analyzing capacity to identify constraints. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery and adherence to engineering specifications.

To qualify for the Manufacturing Planner II role at Vast, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience in manufacturing planning or scheduling. Preferred skills include knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, understanding of quality management, and proficiency in ERP and MES systems.

Ideal candidates for the Manufacturing Planner II position at Vast should possess knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to continuous improvement are also crucial, alongside the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

The salary range for the Manufacturing Planner II position at Vast is between $80,000 and $115,000 USD. This range can vary depending on a candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market demand.

Vast offers a comprehensive benefits package for Manufacturing Planner II employees, including 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage, unlimited flexible paid time off, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, employees enjoy free meals, snacks, and coffee, along with wellness perks like ClassPass credits.

In answering this question, highlight specific examples where you developed and maintained production schedules, including any tools or software you used. Discuss how your scheduling benefited the project or the company.

A strong response will detail your analytical approach to identifying bottlenecks, such as using data analysis or team feedback. Share any past experiences where you successfully implemented strategies to overcome these challenges.

Mention the specific ERP systems you've used in previous roles, focusing on how they improved your efficiency in manufacturing planning. If possible, provide examples of how you leveraged these systems to optimize resources.

Tell a story where you identified an inefficiency in a manufacturing process. Explain the steps you took to implement improvements and the positive outcomes that resulted.

Discuss your strategies for fostering communication, such as regular team meetings, update emails, or collaborative project management tools. Emphasize the importance of clear and concise messaging across departments.

Discuss your familiarity with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma. Provide examples of how you applied these methodologies in previous roles, showing a commitment to improving processes and reducing waste.

Explain your approach to task prioritization using tools or techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix or Kanban. Illustrate with a real example from your experience.

Detail your inventory management practices, such as regular audits, reconciliations, and using inventory management software. Mention how accuracy directly contributes to efficient manufacturing.

Your answer should illustrate your adaptability to change. Discuss how you manage communication with engineering and production teams to implement changes smoothly while minimizing disruptions.

Emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making in manufacturing planning. Provide specific examples of how you used data analysis to inform your planning strategies.