Sr. Planner

Dekko; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

DEKKO is seeking a Senior Planner to lead planning, procurement coordination, logistics, shipping, and receiving, ensuring schedules are met while optimizing inventory. The role emphasizes data-driven decisions and collaboration across functions to connect demand signals, supplier capabilities, and production execution.

The ideal candidate has deep MRP/ERP experience, strong analytical skills, and a track record of cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of materials planning, supply chain, or operations experience in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) including MRP execution, inventory management, and reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis).
• Experience managing international supplier relationships with knowledge of global logistics and import/export compliance.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with leadership audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead MRP execution — release work orders and drive schedule attainment across all production lines.
• Develop and maintain master production schedules (MPS) balancing demand, capacity and material availability.
• Conduct capacity planning and utilization analysis to identify bottlenecks and corrective actions.
• Monitor and manage KPIs like schedule adherence, on-time delivery, inventory turns, days on hand, fill rate.
• Lead SIOP participation to ensure production plans support Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning.

Skills

ERP systems proficiency

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication & collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field

APICS CPIM or CSCP certification

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

DEKKO is a leading manufacturer of electrical components and assemblies serving diverse industries including automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. With a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement, DEKKO offers a collaborative, high-performance culture where supply chain professionals can make a measurable impact.

Position Summary

The Senior Planner is a strategic and operational leader responsible for planning, procurement coordination, logistics, shipping, and receiving processes — ensuring that production schedules are consistently met while optimizing inventory levels.

The ideal candidate is an experienced supply chain professional with deep expertise in MRP/ERP-driven environments, a data-driven mindset, and a proven track record of cross-functional collaboration. This individual will serve as the critical link between customer demand signals, supplier capabilities, and production execution.

Why Join DEKKO

• High-visibility role — direct influence on plant performance and customer satisfaction
• Collaborative culture — cross-functional leadership with operations, engineering, and commercial teams
• Stability & scale — established manufacturer with a strong customer base and long-term supplier partnerships

Key Responsibilities

Supply Chain Planning & Scheduling

• Lead MRP execution — release work orders and drive schedule attainment across all production lines
• Develop and maintain master production schedules (MPS) — balancing customer demand, capacity constraints, and material availability
• Conduct capacity planning and utilization analysis — identify bottlenecks and recommend corrective actions in collaboration with operations leadership
• Monitor and manage key planning KPIs — including schedule adherence, on-time delivery, inventory turns, days on hand, and fill rate
• Lead SIOP participation — ensure production plans support Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning process

Inventory & Cost Optimization

• Optimize inventory levels — managing/executing min/max, safety stock, and reorder point strategies to reduce carrying cost without risking line stoppages
• Support working capital improvement goals — by reducing lead times and improving forecast accuracy,

Logistics & Operations

• Maintain data integrity across ERP systems — including BOMs, routings, lead times, and supplier master data, elevate corrections to corporate
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives — in warehouse layout, dock utilization, and receiving processes

  Cross-Functional Leadership

  • Serve as the primary supply chain liaison to the plant manager and operations team — translating customer requirements into executable production plans
  • Partner with engineering and quality teams — on new product introduction (NPI) material readiness and engineering change management

  Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of materials planning, supply chain, or operations experience — in a manufacturing environment
  • Demonstrated proficiency in ERP systems — SAP, Oracle, or similar — including MRP execution, inventory management, and reporting
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills — including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis
  • Experience managing international supplier relationships — with working knowledge of global logistics, Incoterms, and import/export compliance
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects — and influence without direct authority
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills — with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — with demonstrated ability to present to leadership audiences

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related technical field
  • APICS CPIM or CSCP certification — strongly preferred; candidates actively pursuing certification will be considered
  • Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training desired — with hands-on project experience
  • Experience in a high-mix, low-volume, or custom manufacturing environment
  • Knowledge of automotive or industrial supply chain standards (e.g., IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements)
  • Familiarity with demand planning tools or advanced planning systems (APS)

  Core Competencies

  Strategic Thinking

  Balances short-term execution with long-term supply chain strategy

  Results Orientation

  Drives KPI performance and holds self and team accountable

  Data-Driven Decision Making

  Leverages cross-functional relationships to drive efficient execution

  Uses data to identify risk, opportunity, and root cause

  Communication & Influence

  Communicates effectively across all levels; translates complexity into clarity

  Thrives in fast-paced environments; manages competing priorities effectively