Business Planning Specialist

Organization TBDN FLSA Status Exempt

Division/Department Business Planning Grade/Class IC 13 – Specialist 

Location Jackson, TN Direct Reports 0

Reports To Sr. Manager, Administration Indirect Reports 0

I. General Summary: 

Act as TBDN’s primary liaison to negotiate pricing with customers.  Develop quote details and specifications for customer presentations.  Manage sales data and future sales plan.  Handle new contract and policy agreements with all related parties, including customers and group companies.  Monitor J-Sox(Japanese version of Sarbanes Oxley Act) compliance law and manage job flow procedure control.     

II. Essential Job Functions:

A. Manage customer relationships and negotiation:

1. Propose customer pricing and negotiate with them to achieve new business award.  

2. Share customer feedback, address customer complaints and develop countermeasures to  improve customer satisfaction ratings.

B. Quote submission and price negotiations:  

1.    Submit quotes for new business or price change related items (ex: design changes). 

2.    Create price table and details based on cost calculated by cost planning department.  

3. Calculate items such as packaging and minor Engineering design changes.

C. Manage annual price reduction agreement with customers, and maintain price history data with background information for future price negotiations. 

D. Request quotes (RFQ) and present at kick-off meetings:

1. Present the detail of RFQ to internal departments.  

2. Schedule and submit data to customer with objective of receiving the sale.  

E. Analyze customer sales forecast for future financial plan.  Create a sales budget, plan company profitability for next year, and decide on equipment investment.

F. Ensure smooth business transactions with customer (contracts and shipments):

1. Understand contract law to eliminate any potential for customer disputes.  

2. Manage existing contract timelines and renewal dates.  Keep department manager informed of upcoming timelines.  

3. Create import and export documents such as NAFTA documents for international shipment.

G. Ensure J-Sox compliance with customer owned asset reimbursement and job flow control

1. Collect tool reimbursement from customer in a timely manner, within the time period stated by the law.  

2. Manage and update organizational job flow chart with details for internal control.  

H. Coordinate meetings and conferences with affiliates (TBJ, TBA, DNJP, etc.) to promote sales.

III. Minimum Qualifications/Requirements: 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field required, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant work experience in general accounting and finance functions.

Personal/Technical Skills:

• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles.

• Familiarity with business contracts to prevent  customer and J-Sox compliance issues.

• Basic math skills, financial modeling and analysis capability.

• Strong multitasking and organization skills.

• Strong customer service orientation with both internal and external customers.

• Familiar with business planning concepts, practices, and procedures. 

• Ability to research and compile data to prepare reports and summaries. 

• Must be familiar with company products, manufacturing procedures and terminology. 

• Ability to read and interpret financial/accounting documents and analyses. 

• Close attention to detail.

Language Skills:

• Strong communication skills in English (written and verbal) 

• Spanish and/or Japanese is a plus

Computer/Software:

• ERP System experience

• Proficiency in MS Access (database management). 

• Solid working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Lotus Notes/Outlook, Internet, etc.).

IV. Work Environment/Conditions:

Office:  Open Office Environment, moderate noise level.

Plant:  Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level.  PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, hearing protection, etc. may be required in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas.  Personal attire standards may apply.

Travel:  Up to 10% (some international)

V. Physical Demands:

Ability to sit and work on a computer for extensive periods of time is required.  While performing the duties of this job, the team member