Job Description

Description

The Global Equipment Planner is a senior-level operations planning professional within the Global Planning team at Align Technology. This role is responsible for shaping and executing the global equipment strategy, driving operational excellence, and supporting the growth of a scalable business. The planner partners with global planning, production management, engineering, and vendors to optimize equipment allocation, utilization, and performance across all manufacturing sites. This position is critical to delivering the resource requirements plan and advancing Align Technology's operational strategy.

The position is fully based onsite, 5 days per week, in Rotkreuz (EMEA HQ).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Equipment Planning

Develop and implement strategic equipment capacity plans to support production goals and future growth, measured by utilization rates and on-time installations. Analyze plant demand and production forecasts to identify capacity constraints and recommend solutions

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead cross-functional planning workshops with manufacturing plants, production management, and the Global Engineering Director to align on equipment upgrades, improvement projects, and new equipment needs. Serve as the primary liaison between manufacturing sites and equipment vendors for procurement, installation, and maintenance.

Equipment Allocation & Optimization

Manage the allocation of equipment across global manufacturing plants based on master production schedules, ensuring optimal utilization and minimal downtime. Monitor equipment performance and utilization metrics, identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements and process enhancements.

Capital Expenditure & Investment Support

Provide data-driven insights to support capital expenditure planning, including recommendations for equipment investments and upgrades. Prepare business cases and ROI analyses for proposed equipment purchases and improvements.

Change Management & Continuous Improvement

Lead change initiatives related to equipment upgrades and process improvements, including stakeholder communication and training. Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field. Minimum 5 years of experience in equipment planning, capacity planning, or manufacturing operations, preferably in medical device or high-tech sectors. Proven track record of managing multiple projects related to equipment allocation, process improvements, and facility expansions Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau). Strong understanding of production planning, equipment procurement, and manufacturing processes. Knowledge of automation technologies and manufacturing process optimization. APICS or CPIM certification strongly preferred. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills. Adaptability and a global mindset to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment. Experience leading cross-site planning workshops and change management initiatives. - Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies. Experience working with global teams and external vendors. Occasional international travel may be required

About Align Technology

Your growth and well-being:

At Align, every smile matters. We're committed to helping you thrive by supporting the health, growth, and well-being of our team members through a variety of tools and programs. While specific offerings may vary by location and role, Align employees can typically expect:Health and well-being programs to keep you thriving in both body and mind. Employee-exclusive discounts on Invisalign products. Learning opportunities through online learning resources and support for your individual development plans. Inclusive, global workplace that fosters collaboration, recognition and belonging.
Country and/or role specific details will be shared with you by your recruiter during the interview process.

Discover Align:

We are a global community of game-changers and smart team players, united by our belief in the power of a smile. Our dynamic team of exceptional employees is dedicated to transforming the industry and creating extraordinary outcomes every day.

Align's core values of agility, customer, and accountability are more than words to work by, they are words we live by. The actions we take every day speak to who we are as a company and our focus on being truly impactful. We celebrate our differences, and the many ways we support one another-- ultimately creating a more inclusive organization and world as we continue transforming smiles and changing lives.

We foster a culture where thinking differently and seeking new experiences are not just encouraged but celebrated. With the Align Mindset, we empower each other, ensuring every voice is heard and valued in an inclusive environment that inspires creativity and collaboration.

At Align, we believe in the power of a smile, and we know that every smile is as unique as our employees. As we grow, we are committed to building a workforce rich in diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, fostering a culture of open-mindedness and compassion. We live our company values by promoting healthy people and healthy communities, all with the intent of changing millions of lives, one unique smile at a time.


As part of our commitment to innovation, Align Technology includes exocad and Cubicure, companies that enhance our offerings and extend our impact to industry transformation.


Eager to learn how we embrace our global differences and nurture employee well-being?

Explore Align's culture here!

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Equal Opportunity Statement:

Align Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all our practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected category. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are applying, and employment eligibility will be verified as a condition of hire.