Product Planner Intern - Summer 2024
The Graco Summer Intern Program is designed for students who seek a culture of innovation, quality, and A+ customer service. As a Graco intern, you will have the opportunity to grow knowledge of the industry, develop solutions to real business challenges, and make important connections for the future. During the internship, you will work on projects that align with the needs of the business that allow you to have a hand in key company initiatives. Throughout the summer you will be invited to attend educational and social events and will complete a final presentation on your internship experience.
Job Purpose
To forecast, plan, and schedule assigned products to meet customer needs in the most timely and efficient manner. Meet customer service level objectives and planned inventory objectives.
Essential Duties
Forecast
- Maintain a working knowledge of forecasting methods and processes and learn any new system enhancements provided in the forecasting system and recommend improvements.
- Ensure forecasting system is maintained and daily, weekly and monthly maintenance is preformed and exceptions are analyzed. Forecasts adjusted as required and driving the correct requirements to meet demand.
- Use GAINS to create, adjust and maintain product and component forecast to drive the Oracle planning system.
- Communicate with marketing to refine and improve data to accurately forecast product.
Planning
- Plan all purchased and manufactured parts utilizing the best ordering approach. EOQ, min/max, fixed days, Kanban, MRP, etc
- Ensure accurate planning parameters are set in planning systems – GAINS, Oracle
- Schedule manufacturing orders and ensure customer requirements are met.
- Plan capacity of assigned area and sub-contract work if necessary.
- Give work direction and prioritize schedules on the shop floor.
- Communicate with customer service to align prioritizes to meet customers requirements
Purchasing
- Plan and execute the flow of externally procured material from the supplier into the factory for assigned products ensuring inventory optimization and flow of material.
- Ensure planning information is communicated with suppliers in a timely manner. Phase out, delivery changes, etc.
- Work with suppliers on establishing Kanban agreements to reduce inventory and lead-time.
- Proactively communicate supply shortages to appropriate personnel.
Inventory
- Manage inventory to ensure cell objectives are met and in line with company objectives.
- Manage assigned product to meet customer service and inventory plans.
- Manage surplus and obsolete inventory and actively disposition inventory if required
Improvements
- Identify and implement best business material planning strategies to support corporate and divisional objectives, providing Graco a competitive advantage in all areas of the supply chain.
- Define, drive and implement process improvements and systems improvements for materials activities. Provide timely, accurate results to streamline and improve processes.
- Effectively represent material planning on cross-functional teams within Graco.
- Drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the supply chain.
Reporting
- Report on areas such as inventory and service levels
- Perform other duties as assigned
Position Requirements
- Must be either a Junior or Senior in College, working on receiving a Bachelors degree in Business or Supply Chain Management.
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Knowledge of Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing concepts, practices, and procedures.
- Competent PC skills