Sr. Manufacturing Planner/Expediter

The Senior Planner plays a critical role in ensuring efficient supply chain and production planning operations. This position is responsible for managing vendor relationships, converting purchase requisitions into orders, resolving supplier issues, and tracking cost savings. The Senior Planner monitors material supply, identifies potential shortages, and adjusts delivery schedules to meet production and contractual needs. This role requires expertise in production planning, procurement, and MRP systems, along with strong communication and organizational skills to maintain seamless coordination between suppliers and internal teams.

*Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders after evaluating vendor capability, price, delivery needs and vendor performance.
*Facilitate and manage any supplier issues (i.e., cost, quality, delivery, customer service).
*Manage all aspects of suppliers, includingA/P holds.
*Ensure closeout of old programs/jobs to include the disposition of all requisition, purchase orders, and residual inventory.
*Monitor shipping performance to MPS and contract and create tracking reports.
*Initiate and follow through on any supplier changes (Engineering Change Notices).
*Establish and maintain sound professional relationships with suppliers. Resolve issues (e.g., pricing, quality, timing, claims, contract disputes, etc.) associated with terms and conditions of service agreements.
*Ensure product is moving from production to packaging to shipping.
*Understand demand/spend profile for commodity areas and provide this information as necessary.
*Work closely with manufacturing to establish and evolve a stable manufacturing schedule.
*Track and report cost savings or avoidances.
*Improve current system, functions, and daily operations to more effectively meet goals.
*Responsible for rescheduling daily delivery requirements if problems require a re-plan to meet internal needs and contractual obligations.
*Consolidate demand for purchase requisitions.
*Maintain current accurate records and files of all vendor agreements and related procurement records.
*Communicate supplier performance, including supplier visits as required.
*Be the primary contact between DRS personnel and assigned suppliers.
*Support, communicate, and defend the mission, values, and culture of the company.
*Monitor and maintain Bill of Materials, lead times, planning parameters and master data records for assigned range of parts and materials.
*Monitor material supply and identify potential shortages or bottlenecks. Track material shortages and related resupply timelines.

• Minimum of 5 years demonstrated experience
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Solid understanding of business processes and functional inter-relationships
• Strong background in project material management
• Extensive experience in production planning
• Skilled in the use of Excel, Excel Pivot Tables, Power Point, Word, as well as Sharepoint
• Excellent understanding of MRP systems