Michigan Entry Level - Supply Chain Planner

NGK Automotive Ceramics USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of the leading ceramic technology company NGK Corporation, located in Nagoya, Japan.  NGK Automotive Ceramics USA, Inc. directly supports and supplies all major automobile manufacturers and heavy-duty diesel manufacturers with high-performance components for emission control systems. NGK Automotive Ceramics, USA Inc. is seeking an Engineering Key Account Manager for our Novi, MI sales office. The qualified candidate should have an Engineering Bachelor's degree and application engineering and/or engineering account management experience. This is a hybrid role requiring 2-3 days in our Novi, MI office.

I.          BASIC FUNCTIONS

The Supply Chain Planner will oversee production planning and mange the inventory control for our emission control related products.  The Supply Chain Planner will also perform a liason function between the Plant, Ceramics Business Group in HQ, and the Logistic Team to ensure sustainable delivery as well as controlling the proper inventory level. The Supply Chain Planner will be also be responsible to ensure smooth launch of the new product as well as overseeing the total production/delivery figures against the budget figures.

II.        ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinate distribution and warehousing of NGK products in accordance with policies, principles and procedures established by NGK.
2. Confer with manufacturing plants in North America as well as Ceramic Business Group in HQ to coordinate appropriate production planning and inventory strategy to accommodate short term and midterm demand from the market.
3. Visit manufacturing plants in North America to perform periodical production meeting.
4. Confers with the Business Management team and Logistic Team , customers and representatives of associated industries to evaluate and promote improved and expanded services in the area.
5. C onfer s with manufacturing plants as well as Business Strategy, Business Management, and Logistic Team to launch new products .
6. Review and modify inventory control as well as assessment of slow moving/obsolete inventories.
7. Control right inventory tracking with NAU’s Electronic Ordering System (EOS).
8. Support logistic to coordinate delivery of imported goods from overseas plants to the local warehouse .
9. Watch closely the comparison between the up to date production/delivery figures versus the budget figures, and work together with Business Strategy to make necessary corrective actions.
10. Any other special tasks requested by the upper management.

III.       QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training:             Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience: 0-2 years of direct experience in supply chain control, capacity planning , forecast analytics , or similar position(s).

Skills/Aptitude:       

• Excellent project management skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office.
• Identify and analyze the requirement / issues. Carry out the plans. Measure the effectiveness of the solution and analyze for possible improvements. Implement the improved solution.
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work as an intermediary between several departments.
• Japanese Language capability a plus (not mandatory).
• 10-15% Travel

Work Environment :

• Office environment.
• Hybrid work schedule. (Full time office attendance may be required during training period)
• Overtime may be required to meet program/project deadlines.
• Physically able to participate in presentations and meetings.
• Domestic and International travel is required.