Planner

As a Planner at Aston Carter in Redmond, WA, your key responsibilities will include maintaining data accuracy across tools and processes, level loading work orders to enhance productivity, and analyzing inventory positions to determine essential inventory needs. You will execute various purchase order tasks, manage vendor-related systems and reports, and coordinate directly with warehouse teams. Your role will also involve inspecting completed kits for specific work orders, managing shortages, and ensuring a continuous pipeline of materials using the Jira system.

To qualify for the Planner role at Aston Carter, candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of experience with inventory management systems, particularly SAP or similar platforms. Proficiency in Excel, including skills such as pivot tables and vlookups, is crucial. Strong data analysis abilities are also essential for reviewing data, ensuring adequate stock levels, and determining ordering needs. The ideal candidate will need to work effectively in an ambiguous environment and adapt to changes in processes.

The Planner position at Aston Carter is a full-time role based in Redmond, WA. This position operates on a schedule from 4 pm to 2:30 am, with specific shifts that may run Sunday to Wednesday or follow another arrangement like Wednesday to Saturday or Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The nature of the job requires a commitment to on-site work in the warehouse environment.

As a Planner at Aston Carter, you will be working in a dynamic warehouse environment where both computer-based tasks and physical responsibilities are part of your daily routine. The role requires physical activity, so you'll need to be prepared to stand, bend, and twist throughout your shift, while also engaging with various teams to coordinate inventory needs and updates.

Aston Carter offers a competitive benefits package for Planners including medical, dental, and vision coverage, various types of insurance (including critical illness and life insurance), a comprehensive 401(k) retirement plan, and transportation benefits. Additionally, employees can enjoy a Health Spending Account (HSA), access to an Employee Assistance Program, and generous time off policies that include PTO, vacation, and sick leave.

Certainly! When answering this question, highlight your specific experience with inventory management systems like SAP. Talk about the tasks you managed, the scale of inventory you worked with, and how you ensured data accuracy. Sharing examples is key; mention any achievements or improvements you led in areas such as inventory accuracy or order fulfillment.

In response to this question, it's best to illustrate your problem-solving process. Discuss how you analyze inventory data to identify potential shortages, your steps in coordinating with vendors for quick replenishment, and how you communicate with warehouse teams to mitigate impacts on production. Mention any specific tools or practices you use to manage these situations effectively.

When tackling this question, demonstrate your analytical skills. Explain the key metrics you monitor, such as sales trends, turnover rates, or stock-outs. Discuss the tools you employ, like Excel for data analysis, and how your insights have led to better inventory decisions. Be prepared to share an example of how your analysis brought about positive changes.

To answer this question, share a specific situation where you identified a process inefficiency, describe the steps you took to evaluate and implement a solution, and discuss the outcomes. Your goal is to showcase your initiative and the positive impact your improvement had on team productivity or inventory accuracy.

In your response, outline your communication strategies, such as regular meetings, updates, and collaborative tools. Discuss the importance of active listening and adaptability in communication, especially in a fast-paced environment. Share examples of how you ensure all team members are aligned and informed.

When discussing your Excel expertise, share specific examples of how you've utilized pivot tables and vlookups in your previous roles. Talk about the types of data you’ve analyzed with these tools and any reports you generated that provided valuable insights for inventory management.

Address this question by explaining your attention to detail and the systematic approaches you use for ensuring data accuracy. Discuss techniques such as double-checking data entries, utilizing automated systems for verification, and regular audits or reconciliations you undertake to maintain data integrity.

In response, emphasize your adaptability and positive attitude towards change. Discuss your experiences with process changes in past roles, how you stayed flexible, and how you worked with your team to implement new strategies or technologies without interrupting productivity.

When tackling this question, provide a list of tools you are proficient in, including any specific inventory management software or reporting systems like SAP and Jira. Discuss how these tools have enhanced your ability to track inventory levels, analyze data, and generate reports for management.

In your response, express your interest in Aston Carter’s commitment to excellence and the company culture that values diversity and inclusion. Discuss your long-term career goals and how the Planner role aligns with your aspirations, emphasizing your passion for supply chain and inventory management.