Planning Associate

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Experience with SAP preferred

• 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.

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.

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…