Fabrication Planner

Innovance; Albert Lea (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovance, Inc. is seeking an Inventory professional to manage and optimize material planning, inventory turns, and customer service commitments. The role emphasizes MRP data analysis, shop packet release, and coordination with production and quality teams.

The ideal candidate will have a 2-year associate degree or equivalent experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with MS Office tools. This on-site position supports Lou-Rich and other manufacturing units in the Midwest.

Qualifications

• Two-year associate degree or five years of relevant experience preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO Quality Management Systems and MRP processes is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and follow-through with ability to prioritize tasks.

Responsibilities

• Analyze MRP data to release shop packets and jobs.
• Coordinate shop packets and verify part shortages for distribution readiness.
• Collaborate with Supervisors to align production schedules.
• Prepare and analyze weekly cycle counts for WIP, raw materials, and finished goods.
• Perform inventory transactions and handle non-conformance reports as needed.
• Provide backup support for expeditor role when necessary.

Skills

Analytical

Proactive

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Innovance, Inc.

Innovance is the holding company for a family of four, 100% employee-owned, Midwest-based manufacturing companies (Lou-Rich, ALMCO, Panels Plus, Mass Finishing, Jorgensen). Our mission is to lead, nurture, and grow a team of industrial manufacturing companies committed to making our OEM customers' products better.

About Lou-Rich

Lou-Rich is a fully integrated contract manufacturer specializing in complex projects. We provide precision machining, metal fabrication, assembly, and sourcing solutions to a variety of industries, including some of North America’s largest OEMs. Companies of all sizes, from Fortune 500 companies to small, fast-growing operations trust Lou-Rich with their most vital and complex manufacturing projects.

Position Description:

This position is responsible for tasks associated with the management of Inventory. The specific tasks include inventory review, analysis, and replenishment, while meeting the goals for inventory turns and customer service and any contract commitments.

Essential Functions:

• Analyze Material Requirements Planning (MRP) data to release shop packets/jobs.
• Coordinate manufacturing shop packets and verify part shortages to ensure readiness for distribution.
• Collaborate with Department Supervisors and Team Leads to align production schedules.
• Prepare and analyze weekly cycle counts for: Work-in-Process (WIP), Raw Materials, Finished Goods to assure inventory accuracy.
• Perform inventory transactions as needed.
• Coordinate First Article shop packets with the Quality department.
• Process engineering change orders and releases.
• Handle non-conformance reports related to scrap or returned customer material.
• Analyze and close shop packets upon completion.
• Adherent to ISO policies and procedures.
• Provide backup support for fellow planners and the expeditor role when necessary.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements:

• Willing to Train: Candidates with a two-year associate degree or a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience will be at an advantage, but we are open to training the right individual with industry experience and strong potential.
• Knowledge of ISO Quality Management Systems and supply chain planning/MRP processes is a plus.
• Must be proactive, analytical, and results-oriented, with strong follow-through. Ability to identify and resolve issues, define effective solutions, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in PC applications, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to set and prioritize goals in alignment with team and organizational objectives.
• Capable of multi-tasking and working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• A positive, can-do attitude and a strong internal drive to succeed.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a flexible mindset to adapt to changing demands and priorities.

These descriptions reflect the principal functions of the job for the purpose of job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements of the job nor shall be construed as giving exclusive responsibility for every function described.

Lou-Rich Training Requirement:

• Applicable training will be completed by following the syllabi (Human Resources, Safety, IFS - Timeclock, IFS - Navigation, ISO etc.) for each new hire and that will be verified by the Employee Orientation & Job Qualification form within the first 60 days of employment.
• Applicable training will be completed by following the Planning, Customer Service, and Inventory Training Matrix (F4400-040). Effectiveness of Planning, CS, Inventory training guidelines will be determined by employee knowledge and demonstration of learned concepts. Additional training after the first several weeks of on-the-job training will be determined by the Supervisor in preparation to operate on their own as needed. Any follow-up training will be evaluated and provided at the 60-day review or as deemed necessary for the position.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands or fingers and talk and hear.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those and employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Americans With Disabilities Act:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have a right to request that the Authority make reasonable accommodations in order to help you accomplish your work, which must still be performed in all essential functions.