Senior Material Planner - job 1 of 2

As a Senior Material Planner at CesiumAstro, your primary responsibilities will include developing and maintaining manufacturing plans, collaborating with Engineering and Manufacturing on scheduling, identifying material requirements for new product introductions, and managing inventory levels. You'll also coordinate materials flow within the company, oversee ERP data integrity, and provide analysis to leadership regarding supply chain risks. This role is essential for ensuring efficient production processes that support our cutting-edge space technologies.

To qualify for the Senior Material Planner role at CesiumAstro, candidates typically need a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, along with at least 8 years of experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment. Familiarity with MRP accuracy, demand forecasting, and the ability to interpret technical drawings are also essential. Strong multi-tasking abilities, proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP software are important for success in this role.

The Senior Material Planner at CesiumAstro plays a vital role in enhancing supply chain efficiency by developing data-driven manufacturing plans and coordinating the flow of materials. By evaluating inventory usage, collaborating with purchasing teams, and ensuring ERP data accuracy, you will help identify potential risks and implement solutions that lead to smoother operations and timely product deliveries.

At CesiumAstro, the work environment is dynamic and collaborative, designed to foster innovation and teamwork. As a Senior Material Planner, you’ll experience a blend of on-the-ground production interaction and desk-bound analysis, allowing for a hands-on approach to your work. Our culture encourages openness, creativity, and a strong commitment to supporting each other's success in an exciting field.

CesiumAstro offers a competitive benefits package to Senior Material Planners, which includes company stock options, health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA and FSA accounts. Additionally, employees are offered life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and a supportive work environment that values diversity and equity in the workplace.

When answering this question, emphasize your organizational skills and the ability to assess project urgency and importance. Discuss how you might use project management tools or techniques to track progress, and mention the importance of communication with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely execution.

Choose a specific example that demonstrates your analytical and problem-solving skills. Detail the steps you took to identify issues, propose changes, and implement improvements, highlighting the measurable results you achieved after making these changes.

Discuss your approach to risk management, including proactive measures you take to anticipate shortages and how you would communicate with teams and suppliers to minimize impacts. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated past disruptions to ensure continued production.

Share your familiarity with different ERP systems and specific instances where you ensured data accuracy and integrity. Highlight your attention to detail, your analytical abilities in identifying discrepancies, and how you’ve collaborated with teams to resolve any data-related issues.

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss what excites you about CesiumAstro's mission in space technology, and express your passion for working in a collaborative environment that drives innovation in product development and manufacturing.

Emphasize the importance of clear and proactive communication when working with cross-functional teams. Provide examples of how you've built relationships with colleagues in engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing, and how you ensure everyone is aligned on goals and timelines.

Discuss the specific tools and software you have used in previous roles for managing projects and planning, such as Gantt charts, task management software, or inventory management systems. Highlight your proficiency in adapting to different tools as needed.

Explain how you track key performance indicators related to material availability, inventory turnover, and project timelines. Discuss how you use data to improve future planning initiatives and drive overall operational efficiency.

Identify core technical skills such as proficiency in ERP systems, MRP knowledge, and experience in analyzing technical documents. You may also mention soft skills that help in communication and problem-solving within the team.

Recognize potential challenges such as inventory discrepancies or sudden demand changes. Discuss your proactive approach to addressing these challenges, like building strong supplier relationships and staying informed about market trends.