Logistics Coordinator II - Planner - 1st Shift

Job Description Position Summary

The Returnable Asset Specialist is responsible for the daily management, tracking, and coordination of returnable containers throughout the supply chain. This position supports production and customer requirements by ensuring adequate returnable inventory, monitoring container flows, maintaining accurate records, and executing established returnable management processes. The specialist works closely with Production, Logistics, Materials, Suppliers, and Customers to ensure returnable assets are available, properly utilized, and efficiently circulated.

• Monitor and maintain inventory levels of all returnable containers to support uninterrupted production and customer demand.
• Track the movement and status of returnable assets between suppliers, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and customer locations.
• Perform returnable container loop calculations and support planning activities to maintain adequate container availability.
• Review container cycle times and identify shortages, surpluses, or flow disruptions.
• Coordinate the recovery and return of delinquent, lost, or damaged returnable assets.
• Maintain accurate records of returnable inventories, transactions, and asset locations.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and reconciliations to ensure data accuracy.
• Communicate with suppliers, carriers, customers, and internal departments regarding returnable container requirements and status.
• Support new program launches and production changes by ensuring sufficient returnable containers are available.
• Generate and maintain reports related to returnable inventory, utilization, shortages, and asset performance.
• Investigate and resolve returnable‑related issues impacting production or shipments.
• Follow established procedures and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs associated with returnable packaging.
• Assist with forecasting returnable requirements based on production schedules, customer demand, and transportation lead times.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to returnable asset management and container utilization.
• Maintain the repairs of “Sanford Owned” assets, including fixing minor rack repairs, obtaining and submitting quotes for rack repairs, and coordinating the shipping and returns for rack repairs to and from designated suppliers.

• High school diploma or GED required;
  Associate degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, logistics, inventory control, materials planning, or returnable asset management preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and inventory management systems.
• Ability to analyze data and identify trends impacting container availability.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams.

• Ability to walk through manufacturing and warehouse environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift 35 pounds.
• Apply, replace, and maintain supplier and customer identification labels on returnable containers as required.
• Perform physical inventories and cycle counts of returnable containers, racks, totes, bins, and other returnable assets.
• Work in both office and manufacturing environments with exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and forklift traffic.

• Returnable inventory accuracy
• Container availability and shortage prevention
• Returnable asset utilization
  
  Loop cycle time performance
• Timely recovery of returnable assets
• On‑time support of production and customer requirements

This position is responsible for the day‑to‑day execution and coordination of returnable container management activities, ensuring returnable assets are available, accurately tracked, and efficiently circulated to support operational requirements and minimize supply chain disruptions.

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. In addition to an hourly wage, we offer a total rewards package that provides Day ONE benefits…