Planner

Herff Jones; Warwick (RI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Herff Jones in Warwick is seeking a Planner to ensure timely availability of materials and to support production and customer demand. You will focus on material planning, inventory alignment, and make/buy decisions with accurate data.

You will work with Production Planning, Operations, Purchasing, Inventory, and Customer Service to position materials correctly and identify constraints early. The role requires 2–3 years in demand planning or related analysis and strong Excel/reporting skills.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in demand planning or sales analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems and understanding of Bill of Materials.
• Experience with inventory planning, demand and supply planning.
• Manufacturing or procurement experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills; able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, forecast, and maintain material requirements for raw materials, components, packaging, and purchased finished goods based on demand signals, production plans, and inventory targets.
• Collaborate with Production Planning and Operations to align material plans with schedules and priorities.
• Partner with Purchasing to communicate needs, confirm supplier commitments, and support make/buy decisions with accurate data.
• Collaborate with Inventory Manager to establish safety stock levels based on usage and forecasts.
• Identify risks related to material availability and escalation issues.
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical models, and evaluate results.
• Develop unit demand plans for key stakeholders to inform decision making and supply planning.
• Review planned orders and BOM structures to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain and update planning tools and reports for data visibility.
• Participate in daily/weekly planning meetings with material status updates and constraints.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning accuracy and inventory optimization.
• Manage projects as assigned.

Skills

Demand planning

ERP systems

Bill of Materials

Inventory planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Data reporting

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Position Title: Planner

Location: Warwick

Starting Pay for position: $30/hour

JOIN OUR TEAM!

About Herff Jones:

Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,400 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years. For more information about Herff Jones, please visit www.herffjones.com.

Your Opportunity:

The Planner is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of raw materials, components, packaging supplies, and fully purchased finished goods required to support production and customer demand. This role focuses on material planning, inventory alignment, and cross‑functional coordination to support accurate make/buy decisions and maintain service levels.

The Planner works closely with the Production Planner, Operations, Purchasing, Inventory, and Customer Service Teams to ensure materials are positioned correctly and constraints are identified early.

What You’ll Be Doing On A Daily Basis:

• Plan, forecast, and maintain material requirements for raw materials, components, packaging, and purchased finished goods based on demand signals, production plans, and inventory targets.
• Collaborate with Production Planning and Operations to ensure material plans align with manufacturing schedules and business priorities.
• Partner with Purchasing to communicate material & finished goods needs, confirm supplier commitments, and support make/buy decisions with accurate data.
• Collaborate with Inventory Manager to establish safety stock levels for materials based on historical usage, sales forecasts, and current demand
• Identify risks related to material availability and escalation issues proactively.
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical models, and evaluate results
• Develop category, sub-category, and SKU level unit demand plans for key stakeholders that inform decision making and supply planning
• Review Planned Order Report outputs, purchase requirements, and BOM structures to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain and update planning tools, reports, and spreadsheets to ensure data accuracy and visibility.
• Serve as a key participant in daily/weekly planning meetings, providing material status updates and identifying constraints.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning accuracy, inventory optimization, and make/buy analysis
• Manage projects as assigned

What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• 2–3 years of experience in demand planning or sales analysis
• Experience with ERP systems, understanding of Bill of Materials
• Experience with inventory planning, demand and supply planning
• Experience in Manufacturing and/or Procurement a plus
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Ability to establish priorities and work independently.
• Microsoft office, strong Excel and reporting skills
• Ability to work well with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Education / Certifications Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Daily activity includes but is not limited to lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.
• Reading, communication, math.
• Working at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to regularly lift/move up to 50lbs.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above

Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.