Product Lifecycle Planner

WAHL EMPOWERS PEOPLE TO BE THEIR BEST!

Wahl Clipper Corporation, a global manufacturer of branded Consumer and Professional products, has an exciting opportunity for a team-oriented individual to fill the role of Product Lifecycle Planner at our Global Headquarters in Sterling, Illinois.

The Product Lifecycle Planner is critical resource on all new product development and product phase-out teams across Wahl's businesses. This role is responsible for ensuring that all material requirements for prototypes, pilots, and production start-up are properly managed. This position also works closely with product management during important product lifecycle changes, including series changes, large scale product redesigns, and end of life. The successful candidate will have a broad background in all aspects of planning, including procurement, production control, inventory management, product phase-out, and launching new products.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Determine stocking strategies, should the new product be stocked or made to order at Available-For-Customer (AFC) date. Responsible for component and finished goods inventory levels both at time of product launch and at product discontinuation.
2. Ensure the Request for Quote (RFQ) process with Strategic Sourcing is getting responses in a timely manner and frequently review material lists of critical components necessary to maintain the new product release schedules.
3. Lead discussions with the Master Production Scheduling team and plant Production Control Analysts to review inventory planning parameters required to successfully launch a product and maintain its supply chain health during initial production ramp-up or product phase-out.
4. Coordinate the material requirements, purchase orders, and inventory plans to support all prototypes and pilot builds as well as acceleration into steady state operations (Post AFC), ensuring material availability for all pilots and prototypes to support the product development timeline. This will include managing material availability by setting and monitoring MRP exceptions, actual component usage, and following-up with suppliers on parts and materials needed to support operations.
5. Coordinate and execute the Pre/Post AFC master schedule which includes working with the Master Production Scheduling team to comprehend the monthly production of safety stock or targeted finished good and bulk inventories
6. Create, modify, and maintain realistic material, manufacturing, and procurement strategies for new product introduction and phase-out projects of diverse scope.
7. Support for End-Of-Life material planning activities for product discontinuation to minimize inventory impact due to obsolescence. This requires a high level of materials project management since this may include manually monitoring inventory levels outside of the materials system.
8. Builds strong relationships across the company to leverage ideas, capabilities and processes while instilling energy and enthusiasm to achieve company goals
9. Identifies value-added processes to maximize performance and productivity. Integrates and streamlines processes throughout the supply chain
10. Creates a sense of urgency around business imperatives and influences others of that urgency
11. Provides adjustments to goals to meet new business challenges and ensure performance against those goals. Overcomes obstacles to drive initiatives and actions to closure.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Review SMART goals daily to understand current state and gaps to resolve
2. Promote quality-oriented mindset around data integrity with Production Control & Operations teams
3. Meet customer delivery expectations by reviewing customer demand, operational performance & inventory flow
4. Achieve inventory turn objectives by understanding customer demand and lead times to establish target inventory levels

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Advanced manufacturing systems/planning knowledge- ERP experience. Microsoft D365 Dynamics knowledge strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, decision-making and communication skills
• Advanced PC user- Must be able to use software packages including: Microsoft Work, Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong foundation in customer fulfillment and inventory management concepts
• Understanding of manufacturing end to end processes
• Must understand and embrace the Wahl values and culture
• BS in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain or related field of study required or comparable experience in an operations environment
• APICS (CPIM/CIRM/CSCP) certification preferred or completed within 24 months in position
• 3+ years of experience in production control, purchasing, operations, manufacturing engineering or similar function

Why Wahl?

We are proud to celebrate over 100 years as the standard for grooming products used by barbers and hairdressers all over the world. Professionals and home users have relied on our innovative clippers, trimmers and personal care products for an entire century.

Today, the fourth generation of the Wahl Family remains deeply rooted in the daily operations and management of the organization. Living beyond the footsteps of their great-grandfather, the family continues to ensure that everything that Wahl produces aligns with the same core family values.

When you work at Wahl, you join a community that is proud of its heritage of excellence and ground-breaking innovations and a company that focuses on creating value for the customer and long-term growth.

Perks & Benefits:

• BCBSIL Medical coverage offered as low as $11 per week, INCLUDING pharmacy
• In & Out-of-network BCBSIL Dental coverage, with orthodontics for as low as $4 per week
• In & Out-of-network BCBSIL by EyeMed, Vision coverage, $3 per week for family coverage
• Employer funded health savings account -up to $2000!
• Biometric testing with wellness credits
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with generous company match
• Profit Sharing
• Tuition Reimbursement program - up to $10,000 per calendar year
• Scholarship Program
• Daycare discounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with legal consultative services and discounts
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Short-Term Disability/Long Term Disability
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Casual work environment

Current Openings for Product Lifecycle Planner Jobs at Wahl Clipper Corporation