Customer Demand Planner

thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. is a world class manufacturer of suspension solutions headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio USA. thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America supplies products to a wide range of Original Equipment Automotive Manufacturers as well as Aftermarket and Motorsports customers. Our Aftermarket operations are based out of Poway, CA and our Motorsports operations are based out of Mooresville, NC. For decades, the name BILSTEIN has been synonymous with high tech in suspension design, driving comfort, and safety. In order to expand this position BILSTEIN became a division of thyssenkrupp Technologies AG in 1988, and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2005. This partnership has enabled us to continue the BILSTEIN tradition of excellence. The Customer Demand role is the first point of contact with all customers and is responsible for the coordination of a multitude of activities from the start of a new customer relationship via new part introduction all the way through delivery of finished goods. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Acts as the first point of and primary contact for all customers. Is accountable to understand and respond to all customer requirements, compiling and summarizing all fluctuations in demand to a broad distribution. Receives all incoming customer orders/releases reviewing each for accuracy in addresses, part numbers, revision levels, quantities, dates, etc. Creates new order/line items as deemed necessary. Controls orders from a requirements variability perspective and, if necessary, escalates potential supply issues with direct customer contacts as well as with Master Planners, Operations, Sales and Logistics. Creates and maintains a log of customer order/release idiosyncrasies creating and maintaining internal information on orders as required. Notifies Account Managers, Logistics personnel and any relevant personnel of any out-of-the-ordinary occurrences on incoming orders. Maintains and monitors all relevant/required data on customer specific portals setting and communicating the priority of customer ordering and the need for expedited deliveries while monitoring delivery of electronic shipment notifications. Responds to customer inquiries expeditiously, offering alternatives while striving for first-call resolution. Proactively anticipates problems, and effectively resolves them before they become major issues. Works closely with Master Schedulers to advise on production priorities as needed. Monitors delivery due list & communicates directly to shipping team. Monitors dunnage stock & returns and manages customer returns. Attends cross-functional team meetings serving as the department liaison for new product/part launch. Interfaces with Manufacturing, Engineering, MPP, Quality, and other departments on new products, part changes, material status and production planning issues. Serves as point of contact for special builds with appropriate Master Planners. Sets up relevant new part master data and required systematic links ahead of planned production dates. Maintains part numbers for Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP). Helps maintain scheduling agreements & part numbers as required. Works with the Sales team to understand customer contracts. Supports inventory management by monitoring and reporting inventory status and initiating recommendations and actions to adjust or replenish inventory levels to ensure customer orders are fulfilled on time. Prepares clear, concise reports, documentation and routine customer correspondence. Creates and maintains main system files for receiving customer data and sending shipment notification, invoices, etc. Creates and maintains all data as necessary for correct bar codes, packing slips and invoices. Maintains and creates all bill to and ship to addresses. Creates and maintains for each customer on main system in addition to the address: a phone number where available, a vendor code where available the assigned terms of payments. Reviews and manages consumption and supply/demand alignment. Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field. Intermediate analytical skills including the ability to manage large data sets, identify trends and translate into actionable information. Independent & organized work style with the ability to effectively manage time, prioritize work responsibilities, assume and manage multiple tasks without close supervision, and meet deadlines. Experience working with large ERP systems (SAP preferred) with understanding of Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP). Strong effective communication skills to include verbal, written and interpersonal, shares information and knowledge and engages in crucial conversations with a sense of urgency. Demonstrated ability and solve difficult issues in a dynamic environment. Able to maintain positive attitude and calm demeanor in a very chaotic, changing and stressful environment. Proven ability to build strong business relationships at all levels throughout an organization and work extremely well as part of a team. Exhibits integrity through fair and ethical behaviors in all activities; maintains accountability for performance. Strong attention to detail with well-developed organizational and communication skills. Proven experience developing work processes to improve outcomes for the team/customers. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Demonstrated understanding of basic materials management, production planning and inventory control techniques (i.e., capacity planning, JIT, lean manufacturing, production level loading, make to stock/build to order etc.) Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. Understanding of the discipline of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bilstein has great benefits to offer! A state-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness. Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options. 401K matching program. Paid time off + 13 paid holidays. Paid volunteer hours. Tuition reimbursement program. Gym reimbursement. Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance. Internal growth opportunities. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Discounted BILSTEIN products. #J-18808-Ljbffr