2027 Graduate Instrument Planner - Orthopedics

ROLE TITLE: Graduate Instrument Planner

START DATE: September 2027

LOCATION: Cork, Ireland

Johnson & Johnson announced plans to separate our Orthopaedics business to establish a standalone orthopaedics company, operating as DePuy Synthes. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed within 18 to 24 months, subject to legal requirements, including consultation with works councils and other employee representative bodies, as may be required, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and approvals. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the transaction, you would be an employee of DePuy Synthes and your employment would be governed by DePuy Synthes employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by DePuy Synthes at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes

DePuy Synthes, Companies of Johnson & Johnson, is the largest, most comprehensive orthopedic and neurological business in the world, built upon the strong legacies of two great companies. 

DePuy Synthes offer an unparalleled breadth and depth of technology, devices, services and programs in the areas of joint reconstruction, trauma, spine, sports medicine, neurological, cranio-maxillofacial, power tools and biomaterials. 

Our broad array of inspired, innovative and high-quality offerings helps advance the health and well-being of people around the world. 

DePuy Synthes, who employ over 1000 people in Cork established its manufacturing facility in Cork in 1997 where it manufactures orthopedic knees and hips. In 2014, DePuy Synthes in Cork won the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Graduate Planner within the Instruments Deployment Group is a key supply chain role, we provide a world class service to our Direct and Affiliate Global markets for the Joints Business Group. The team is also responsible for instrument set planning and governance for OUS markets.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Customer Orders/Requests:

• Receive and respond to customer orders/requests.

• Will enter orders into the relevant ERP system.

• Research, resolve, and follow through with customer issues/complaints, deal with adverse situations, make effective decisions promptly and inform key partners appropriately.

• Will respond to questions relating to delivery information, credit authorization, pricing, and product specific service-related questions.

• Will liaise with supply partners to obtain and communicate delivery information, sharing information on priorities.

Deliver Effective and Efficient Planning:

• Ensure planned kit requirements and supplemental order processes are completed accurately and in line with global planning

• Work with warehouse to manage stock queries, expedite outbound/inbound deliveries and coordinate activity between markets

• Investigate and root-cause critical supply issues and communicate updates on resolution dates

• Inventory management in line with agreed GSC targets and processes – taking actions to minimize excess inventory, including managing inventory repatriation, and approving in market returns

• Drive for continuous improvement to enhance service and implement lean process improvements.

• Coordinate the implementation of New Product Introductions/ Rationalization plans with OUS Markets in line with commercial and project teams.

Market Service Review & Performance Analysis:

• Represent market supply needs and challenges within the Sales & Operations Planning process.

• Will support ongoing improvements to supply chain efficiency by working closely with markets and monitoring market behaviour with a focus to enhance overall “end customer” service. 

• Proactively manage KPI’s, including OTIF, back-order metrics and ad-hoc process improvement metrics.

• Develop and strengthen team relationships with external and internal customers in accordance with our Instrument Deployment Group, GSC, and Depuy goals and objectives. 

• Initiate & maintain reports and support projects as required.

• Will support the development of Team members through training & coaching

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Minimum Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics or similar degree

• Recent Graduate (2026 or due to graduate in 2027)

• Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing systems concept knowledge

• The ability to work well individually and remotely.

• The ability to adapt to change and develop skills to meet these changes.

• High capability with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)

• Interest in developing skills, abilities, and career.

• Pro-active, can-do attitude. High level of personal initiative, ability to function autonomously and self-confidence.

• Self-starter with ability to create and develop new relationships quickly, and influence/collaborate to get to desired results.

• Results Orientation/Sense of Urgency – ability to drive to tight timelines.

• Data mining / reporting skills.

• Exposure to Project Management Methodology would be an advantage

• Interested in Manufacturing processes.