Inventory Control/Production Planning Coordinator-Portland

LOCATION: Portland OregonAbout The PositionThe Inventory Control & Production Planning Coordinator is a dual-purpose role responsible for maintaining accurate inventory control while also creating, managing, and communicating production schedules. This position serves as a key link between inventory, purchasing, sales, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure material availability, optimized production flow, and on-time delivery. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance transactional inventory work with forward-looking production planning.Deliverables & ResponsibilitiesMaintain accurate inventory records and controls across systems and physical countsDevelop, maintain, and communicate production schedules aligned with demand and capacityEnsure materials, labor, and equipment are aligned to meet production requirementsProvide timely and accurate inventory and production performance reportsSupport continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory accuracy, scheduling, and workflowKey Activities & ResponsibilitiesInventory Control ResponsibilitiesPerform and support daily inventory control transactions including adjustments, discrepancies, and vendor returnsExecute and support cycle count programs, including count selection, reconciliation, variance analysis, and justificationPlan, execute, and reconcile physical inventories between systems and physical countsPrepare and distribute inventory reports including inventory valuation, raw material usage, and discrepanciesSupport and enforce proper inventory control procedures across departmentsProduction Planning & Scheduling ResponsibilitiesCreate, maintain, and adjust production schedules for the facilityPlan and slot work orders, establish capacities and lead times, and verify delivery datesDevelop master production schedules to meet customer demand, sales forecasts, and shipping commitmentsConduct capacity planning to determine manpower, equipment, and material requirementsLead or participate in production planning and daily schedule update meetingsCommunicate schedule changes and priorities to all affected departmentsAnalyze production specifications and plant capacity data to optimize workflowGeneral & Cross-Functional ResponsibilitiesWork closely with sales, engineering, purchasing, inventory, and manufacturing teamsPrepare and present inventory and production status reports to leadershipSupport ERP system transactions and continuous improvements (Epicor, Visual, or similar ERP systems)Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives as assignedFollow company policies, procedures, and safety rules at all timesPromote Astec’s core values and contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environmentRequired Experience, Education & CompetenciesHigh school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred3+ years of experience in inventory control, production planning, or scheduling in a manufacturing environment; equivalent experience consideredWorking knowledge of ERP systems for inventory and production scheduling (Epicor, Visual, or similar preferred)Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); strong Excel skills preferredStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsAbility to work under pressure and manage changing priorities and deadlinesStrong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionallyDetail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and accountabilitySUPERVISORY & LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONSEffectively communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teamsSupport and reinforce inventory control and production planning best practicesLead and facilitate planning discussions and schedule review meetings as requiredOur Culture and ValuesEmployees that become part of Astec embody the values below throughout their work. Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business Respect for all individuals Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure successTravel Requirements: minimal to none NOTE: This position responsible for certain internal control responsibilities. These internal control responsibilities are verbally communicated to the incumbent and periodic feedback is provided as it relates to the performance of these internal control responsibilities.WORK ENVIRONMENT Office (on site)While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of injury in an office environment and occasionally a manufacturing shop plant environment. Duties include a typical office setting including extensive computer work, sitting or standing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Manufacturing EnvironmentShop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAs an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.