Wave Planning Specialist

Position Summary

The Wave/Batch Planner is the  engine room  of the distribution center, responsible for orchestrating the flow of work from the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to the floor. This role focuses on optimizing order release strategies to balance labor across departments, maximize throughput, and ensure on-time departures. The planner must have a deep understanding of operational capacity and the ability to pivot strategies in real-time based on changing volumes.

The Wave/Batch Planner is the  engine room  of the distribution center, responsible for orchestrating the flow of work from the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to the floor. This role focuses on optimizing order release strategies to balance labor across departments, maximize throughput, and ensure on-time departures. The planner must have a deep understanding of operational capacity and the ability to pivot strategies in real-time based on changing volumes.

• Order Releasing & Waving:
  Execute the daily  wave  plan by releasing orders in logic-based batches that maximize picking efficiency and equipment utilization.
• Workflow Synchronization:
  Monitor real-time progress in picking, packing, and shipping to ensure a steady flow of work, preventing bottlenecks or  starving  downstream departments.
• Priority Management:
  Coordinate with Customer Service and Transportation to prioritize  hot  orders, expedited shipments, and carrier-specific cut-offs.
• Inventory Coordination:
  Work closely with the replenishment team to ensure stock is in active pick faces before waves are released, minimizing  shorts  or order delays.
• Data Analysis:
  Review daily volume forecasts to adjust batch sizes and picking methodologies (e.g., zone vs. cluster picking).

This is not a  desk-only  role. To effectively plan the work, the Wave Planner must understand the physical reality of the floor. Requirements include:

• Conducting regular floor walks to verify WMS data against physical congestion or equipment availability.
• Working directly on the floor during peak surges—assisting with picking, packing, or replenishment to help the team meet wave deadlines.
• Collaborating with department leads to reassign labor based on wave progress and backlog.

Operational efficiency never overrides safety. The Wave Planner is expected to:

• Structure waves to prevent aisle congestion, reducing the risk of collisions between material handling equipment and pedestrians.
• Adhere to all facility safety protocols and participate in  Safety-First  initiatives.
• Promote a culture of accountability and operational discipline by ensuring all system transactions are performed accurately.

High School Diploma required;
Associate degree in Logistics or related field preferred.

Advanced proficiency in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, SAP).

• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions in a high-volume environment.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-departmental coordination.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled