Planner II

As a Planner II at our Marlborough location, you will manage planning and scheduling for Systems and Hardware groups. Your responsibilities include evaluating scheduling priorities according to sales demand, collaborating cross-functionally, establishing kitting and inbound deliveries, and maintaining performance metrics. You'll also extract and analyze data from various sources to support your initiatives and ensure that supply strategies align with business objectives.

To qualify for the Planner II position in Marlborough, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, or Engineering, along with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. Certifications such as Six-Sigma, APICS, CSCP, or CPIM are advantageous. Familiarity with ERP systems, particularly SAP PP, and a strong understanding of capacity requirements planning will help candidates succeed in this role.

A Planner II plays a crucial role in achieving supply chain excellence at our Marlborough location by proactively analyzing trade-offs and aligning supply strategies with business goals. By driving cross-functional collaboration and managing performance metrics effectively, you will ensure operational efficiency. Your insights from data analytics will empower the team to make informed decisions that enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance.

For success as a Planner II at our company, candidates must have excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and proficiency in data analysis and Microsoft Excel. Strong written and oral communication skills are also vital, as you'll need to facilitate effective meetings and collaborate with various teams. A thorough understanding of supply chain principles and advanced knowledge of capacity requirements planning will significantly benefit your performance.

As a Planner II in Marlborough, you can expect a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment where collaboration is key. You will work closely with various teams, including Operations, Supply Chain, and Product Management, making it essential to be adaptable and able to manage time effectively under tight deadlines. Our culture fosters communication, innovation, and continuous improvement, providing the ideal setting for personal and professional growth.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experiences with planning and scheduling. Discuss tools and methodologies you've used, such as ERP systems, and provide examples of how you managed fluctuating demands successfully in past roles.

Focus on a structured approach to problem-solving in your answer. Explain your methodology, such as identifying the root cause, analyzing data, collaborating with team members, and proposing actionable solutions, which is essential for a Planner II role.

List the software tools you are familiar with, such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, or any ERP systems like SAP. Provide specific examples of how you have used these tools for data analysis or in decision-making processes in past experiences.

Describe your experience with tracking and managing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Highlight your familiarity with setting targets, analyzing data trends, and the actions you took when metrics fell short, demonstrating your commitment to operational excellence.

Share an example of a project where you collaborated with different teams, such as Operations and Supply Chain. Emphasize the importance of communication and teamwork in achieving shared goals and how you navigated any challenges during the collaboration.

Discuss your tips for running effective meetings, such as setting clear agendas, encouraging participation, and summarizing key points afterward. Underscore the value of concise communication for keeping all team members aligned on objectives.

Provide a specific example of how you responded to unexpected demand changes. Detail the steps you took to quickly reassess priorities, coordinate with your team, and make any necessary adjustments to your planning and scheduling processes.

Explain CRP by detailing its significance in supply chain management. You might discuss concepts such as work centers, labor, machines, and the relationship between production rates and planning to indicate your in-depth understanding of the subject matter.

Mention your prioritization strategies, such as assessing task urgency and importance using tools or matrices. Share a scenario that illustrates your ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while still meeting deadlines.

Explain the steps you would take to assess the situation, communicate with affected teams, and implement corrective actions. This shows your commitment to transparency and continuous improvement as a Planner II in our organization.