Job Overview

Komatsu is seeking a dynamic and experienced Planner II to join our team in Milwaukee Operations. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and coordinating production planning to ensure the timely delivery of products, improving schedule reliability, and maximizing productivity using QRM (Quick Response Manufacturing) principles. You will collaborate with various departments, including customer service, technical services, and quality assurance, to drive process improvements and maintain a seamless production workflow.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Manage the coordination and supply of all machined, welded, assembled, and purchased components.

• Analyze and schedule new orders while considering capacity, material availability, and employee schedules for optimal delivery timelines.

• Level workloads in production cells by considering available resources to increase throughput and schedule accuracy.

• Monitor factory production, determine available capacity, and make sub-contracting decisions as necessary.

• Support the Master Schedule and provide estimated completion dates to internal and external customers.

• Interpret specifications, blueprints, and job orders to assign duties and ensure compliance with product requirements.

• Actively participate in safety and quality improvement teams.

• Coordinate manpower planning across shifts, direct material handlers, and ensure proper delivery of all materials.

• Maintain inventory levels, adjust lot sizes, and oversee the management of work-in-process inventories.

• Serve as a liaison between departments to ensure smooth operations, including resolving material availability issues and handling expediting needs.

• Prepare reports and participate in production planning meetings.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, production control, or a related field.

• 2-4 years of experience in production planning, with a strong understanding of MRP and ERP systems (preferably SAP).

• APICS certification or actively pursuing certification.

• Strong analytical skills, with experience in managing complex production schedules and resolving practical problems.

• Proficient in PC software, including Microsoft Windows and Office Suite.

• Ability to interpret blueprints, work with Bills of Materials, and read routings.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Adaptability to changing environments and priorities, with a strong focus on safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills

• Problem-solving and leadership abilities, with a capacity to inspire and motivate others in a union environment.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities.