Bilingual Expeditor / Production Planner

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
This position is accountable for managing a high volume of work orders machined by outside vendors, from release to the vendor through receipt of finished parts.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Outsourced Machining Expediting (Primary)
• Vendor assignment and routing
o Identifies each released order that will be machined outside and determines the vendor it is going to.
o Updates the work order routing in QAD to reflect the vendor in the operation description (outside machining operation).
o Enters and verifies the subcontract cost in QAD, confirming it matches the cost already established for the operation.
o Makes a copy of each routing sheet and provides it to shipping/warehouse personnel so they know which order goes to which vendor.

• Shipment preparation and vendor pickup
o Requests that shipping/warehouse personnel return the routing sheets with pallet count and weight for each order.
o Provides pallet count and weight to each vendor so they know what they are picking up.
o Calls each vendor to schedule pickup once pallet count and weight are confirmed.

• Purchasing and vendor communication
o Creates purchase orders for each outsourced machining vendor, in parallel with shipping preparation so no time is lost.
o Emails each vendor the approved PO together with the machining drawing.
o Serves as the day-to-day point of contact for outside machining vendors on status, due dates,
drawing questions and shipping logistics.

• Follow-up and delivery tracking
o Tracks every outsourced order against its due date and proactively follows up with vendors on progress, delays and potential misses.
o Updates status’s in QAD for outbound and inbound.
o Escalates at-risk orders and communicates revised dates to Production Control, Sales and Operations management.
o Coordinates receipt of finished parts, return of the order to the production flow, and closing out of subcontract operations in QAD.
o Maintains an up-to-date log of open outsourced orders, vendor status and promised dates, and reports on vendor on-time delivery and quality performance.
o Coordinates with Quality on vendor nonconformances, rework and returns.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Backup Production Planning (Secondary)
• Serves as backup to the internal machine shop production planner, covering absences and peak workloads.
o Assists in planning and managing production schedules to support 100% on-time delivery of customer orders.
o Creates work orders in QAD; ensures raw materials are available and allocates them to job orders.
o Enters shop labor transactions and records material transfers and issues (work in process and finished goods) in QAD.
o Reconciles work order reports, determines root cause of inventory variances, and works with the team on containment and preventive actions.
o Records and maintains documentation necessary for production.

• General responsibilities (all duties)
o Follows company policies and procedures.
o Supports and participates in the organization's Continuous Improvement programs.
o Proactively participates in the Ameriforge Safety Program.
o Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Requirements (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)
• Strong written and verbal communication, including professional phone and email contact with vendors.
• Candidate must be fluent in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of production control principles; working knowledge of machining processes and the ability to read machining drawings and routing sheets preferred.
• Experience with an ERP system (QAD preferred) and excellent Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to manage many open orders and vendors at once, prioritize, and follow through on deadlines.
• Ability to create and approve purchase orders and verify costs accurately.
• Team oriented and the ability to operate with a diverse group

Education and/or Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of office experience required; experience in expediting, purchasing, production control or manufacturing is a plus (adjust as needed).

Physical Requirements
• Standing, bending, sitting, lifting up to 25#, squatting and walking for 8 to 10 hours per day.
• Exposure to Production Environment on a daily basis.
• The physical requirements 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 to perform the essential functions.