Who we are
Element Six is a global leader in the development and production of synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide solutions. For 80 years, our innovation expertise has enabled a wide range of industries, from aerospace and mining, to semiconductors and sensing. Part of the De Beers Group, our primary manufacturing sites are located in the US, Ireland, Germany and South Africa.
Our vision
Our superhard solutions, your competitive advantage.
Our mission
We enable our customers’ success by delivering superhard solutions that drive efficiency, performance and reliability.
Inclusion and Diversity
We are committed to fostering a vibrant workplace culture that is inclusive and embraces our diversity, where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential and thrive.
If you like the idea of an exciting variety of work in a diverse global team, then we want you to get in touch.
Job DescriptionThe Planner is responsible for end-to-end production and materials planning for the Santa Clara site, ensuring that customer demand is translated into achievable, executable production schedules.
The role, based in the Element Six California facility, focuses on detailed scheduling, material flow, inventory control, and master data integrity for the site, working closely with Operations, Procurement, and Logistics to deliver on-time, efficient, and stable production plans.
This position is not responsible for network-wide supply planning, plan consolidation, or IBP/S&OP ownership, but provides accurate inputs and execution feedback into those processes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain detailed production schedules for the Santa Clara site, aligned to demand signals and agreed supply plans
- Sequence production orders across work centers to optimize throughput, capacity utilization, and cycle times
- Monitor and manage schedule adherence, making real-time adjustments based on operational performance
- Work closely with shopfloor teams to ensure feasible and executable plans
Demand & Supply Alignment
- Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to understand demand requirements
- Translate demand forecasts into executable supply plans
- Identify risks to supply and proactively implement mitigation actions
Materials Planning & Control (Santa Clara site)
- Ensure availability of raw materials, WIP, and consumables to support the site production schedule
- Run and manage MRP signals to trigger procurement and internal supply actions
- Coordinate with Procurement and Stores to resolve shortages and expedite materials
- Manage material flow within the site to minimize delays and bottlenecks
Inventory Management & Accuracy
- Maintain optimal inventory levels at the site in line with site targets and working capital objectives
- Support cycle counts, investigate discrepancies, and drive corrective actions
- Identify and manage slow-moving, excess, and obsolete stock
- Drive improvements in inventory control processes and accuracy
Master Data Ownership (Santa Clara Site)
- Support accurate master data for the site within the ERP systems (e.g., JDE/SAP), including:
- Bills of Materials (BoMs)
- Routings and work centers
- Lead times and planning parameters
- Support new item creation and updates via CRM workflows
- Conduct regular reviews of BoMs, routings, and planning data to ensure accuracy
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work closely with the Oregon and Shannon, Ireland supply teams, global CVD Procurement, Santa Clara Operations, Engineering, Logistics, and Customer Service
- Support prioritization of production orders based on customer and business needs
- Participate in daily/weekly site production and planning reviews
- Provide clear visibility of risks, constraints, and recovery plans
Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor key metrics for the Santa Clara site including:
- Customer Request Date Adherence
- Schedule adherence
- On-Time Delivery (OTIF)
- Inventory accuracy and coverage
- Support the implementation of process improvements in planning, scheduling, and inventory control
- Ensure compliance with planning governance, quality, and audit requirements.
- Relevant qualification or experience in Supply Chain, Production Planning, Manufacturing, or a related discipline
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (essential)
- APICS / CPIM or equivalent certification (advantageous)
Experience & skills
- Proven experience in production planning, scheduling, or materials control within a manufacturing environment
- Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, JDE)
- Understanding of inventory management and shopfloor processes
- APICS / CPIM (advantageous)
- Experience within CVD or advanced manufacturing (advantageous)
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail and data accuracy
- Advanced Excel and planning system proficiency
- Ability to operate effectively in a shopfloor-linked, fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proactive, execution-focused mindset
Element Six offers an excellent suite of employee benefits including:
- Choice of excellent health plans
- Dental and vision plans
- 401k plan and safe harbor with company match up to 6%
- Quarterly bonus plan
- Generous vacation, maternity/paternity paid leave, and sick leave benefits
- “Skills-based pay” program to reward multi-skilling and cross training.
Please note that ideally, applicants will be local to the SF bay area; we are unable to offer relocation support or work permit sponsorship for this role.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Skills Required
- Relevant qualification or experience in supply chain, production planning, manufacturing, or a related discipline
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
- Experience in production planning, scheduling, or materials control within a manufacturing environment
- Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems such as SAP or JDE
- Understanding of inventory management and shopfloor processes
- Advanced Excel and planning system proficiency
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, stakeholder management, and data accuracy skills
- APICS or CPIM certification
- Experience within CVD or advanced manufacturing
De Beers Group Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about De Beers Group and has not been reviewed or approved by De Beers Group.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Bonuses and quarterly benefits are presented as solid elements of the remuneration package alongside competitive pay. Site-based roles can also include travel allowances that enhance total compensation.
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Retirement Support — Pensions are consistently highlighted as a strong component of the benefits offering. This points to meaningful retirement provisions being available in multiple locations.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Practical amenities such as free canteens, on-site gyms, and an Employee Assistance Program with counseling for employees and dependents are available at certain operations. The company also emphasizes colleague wellbeing, mentoring, and training.
De Beers Group Insights
What We Do
De Beers Group is the world's leading diamond company, specializing in the exploration, mining, marketing, and retailing of diamonds. Established in 1888, the company operates across the global diamond value chain, from the responsible discovery and recovery of rough diamonds to high-end retail jewelry expertise through its brands, including De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, with a commitment to sustainability and ethical integrity.
