Planning Associate

Alphatec-Spine,-Inc; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Alphatec Spine, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA is seeking a Planning Associate to develop global production schedules, manage inventory, and ensure on-time delivery of spinal medical device products.

You will partner with Procurement, Inventory, Quality Assurance, and cross-functional teams to optimize resources and maintain cost-effective operations. The role emphasizes data-driven planning, ERP/MRP proficiency, Salesforce experience preferred, and the ability to communicate schedules, risks, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, manufacturing, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in production planning, supply chain, inventory management, operations, or related discipline.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data interpretation.
• Excellent organizational skills with multi-priority management.
• Effective written and verbal communication across departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and monitor production schedules and reporting for kit builds, replenishment, and obsolescence.
• Partner with Procurement and Inventory to ensure material availability.
• Monitor production performance and analyze metrics to improve planning efficiency.
• Collaborate with QA, Marketing, Field Ops to resolve production issues.
• Maintain production records, planning data, schedules, and performance metrics.
• Communicate schedules, timelines, risks, and status updates to stakeholders.

Skills

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication

Independent work

Cross-functional teamwork

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, manufacturing, or related field

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

The Planning Associate is responsible for developing and managing global production schedules to ensure spinal medical device products are manufactured and delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to optimize resource allocation, maintain healthy inventory levels, and minimize production delays.

Key responsibilities include production planning, inventory management, report development, project coordination, and effective communication with internal stakeholders. The Planning Associate also supports cross-functional initiatives and continuous improvement efforts to achieve production goals, improve inventory efficiency, and enhance overall supply chain performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and monitor production schedules and reporting to support spinal medical device kit builds, replenishment, and obsolescence activities.
• Partner with Procurement and Inventory teams to ensure timely material availability and release for production requirements.
• Monitor production performance, analyze key metrics, and identify opportunities to improve planning efficiency, inventory health, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Marketing, Field Operations, and other departments to resolve production-related issues and support business initiatives.
• Maintain accurate production records, planning data, schedules, and performance metrics to support operational decision-making.
• Communicate production schedules, timelines, risks, and status updates to internal stakeholders in a timely and effective manner.
• Support international operations by coordinating production supply requirements and contributing to global planning and supply chain projects.
• Process and manage international orders, customer complaints, and product returns in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist in the onboarding and training of new team members on planning processes, systems, and best practices.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve production targets and inventory optimization goals.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 year of experience in production planning, supply chain, inventory management, operations, or related discipline.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and organizational levels.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and follow-through.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar business intelligence platforms.

• Experience with SAP preferred

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in production planning, preferably in the medical device, industrial, or life sciences preferred.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of FDA regulators and industry standards for medical devices is a plus.

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 sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an 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.

Working environment is typical of an office, manufacturing, and laboratory environment. Working in this environment may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, and work boots.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Other Disclosures

ATEC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to its employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state or local laws. Further, ATEC will make reasonable accommodations that are necessary to comply with disability discrimination laws.

For roles based in the United States that require access to hospital facilities, must be eligible for and maintain credentials at all required hospitals, including meeting any applicable physical requirements or vaccination requirements (including the COVID-19 vaccine, as applicable).

At this time, ATEC Spine does not sponsor employment visas for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer sponsorship.

Salary Range

Alphatec Spine, Inc. complies with state and federal wage and hour laws and compensation depends upon candidate’s qualifications, education, skill set, years of experience, and internal equity. $28.00-$34.00 Full-Time Hourly Salary