Collation Planner

About Us

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally. 

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

Role Summary

The Manufacturing Collation Planner is responsible for planning and preparing the programs of the collation process for the machines and tables within the Collation area, creating accurate layouts, Characteristic files, Picklist files and reference tables that guide the mixing and looping of collectible cards from various sports, movies and other themes according to client specifications. This role is essential in ensuring that mixes, loops and pick sequences are correctly structured and validated before production, safeguarding the quality and integrity of the final product so that customers receive the correct cards in each box or package.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Job Direction and Planning:

• Receive direction from Area Managers regarding job priorities according to Job Scheduling, communicated via email or verbal meetings.
• Determine, based on job type and size, whether Machine Operation files (Characteristic File, Picklist File) or Manual Operation/QC reference files (Mix Reference Table, Premix Reference Table, Normal Stock reference, Loop file reference, Brick Collate reference, Final Mix page) must be created for the Collation team.
• Prioritize jobs to be routed to the Collation Machine; coordinate with the Collation Lead/Supervisor to complete the Deviation Log via Microsoft Form whenever a job must be run manually instead.
• Utilize and fill out the Collation Planner Checklist (MFG-FORM-8.5.14l) to validate each program prior to production.
• Maximize the use of all resources available to support timely and efficient execution and proactively request assistance when needed; asking for help is encouraged and supports team success.
• Complete assigned planning work within established timelines, maintain visibility of progress and obstacles, and remain accountable for the accurate and timely submission of all assigned documentation.

Layout Creation:

• Communicate with the Process Engineering team to obtain Job Files in VMQuotes and verify the VMQuote daily at the start of shift.
• Monitor the Subject List and the Change Summary tab for any job file changes communicated by the Engineering team via email or phone.
• Copy the mix page details from the VMQuote ready file into the Form tab, capturing Subject, Card Set, PT (Card point thickness), Sequence, Operation, Stock Name (Mix Group), SKU and Ratios information.
• Build the Layout using Pivot Tables to logically mix job sequences, and save completed files to the designated Commonshare and Collation Plan SharePoint directories following the established file-naming and folder structure.

Manual Operation and Quality Control File Creation:

• Create the Mix, Premix and Final Mix Reference Tables from the Template Mix, incorporating Card ID, Card Number, Form, Color, Name, Team and Subset/Parallels (SEQ) details gathered using Power Query.
• Prepare the Normal Stock, Loop file and Brick Collate references, using the built-in macros to generate Loop tabs by group, filter by thickness, and calculate loop totals.
• Identify extra or leftover card quantities from the Subject List and create a Waste Plan within the Reference Table to ensure no extra cards remain unassigned within Collation.

Characteristic and Picklist File Creation (Collation Machine):

• Create the Characteristic File from the Mix Reference Table details, including Reference (Letter), Stock Name, Description, Total Cards and Thickness, naming each tab according to Job #, Mix # and CT.
• Generate the Picklist File using the “Robot” macro from the Mix Page, and verify that the Picking Sequence, Reference and Stock Name are complete and in the correct order before releasing the file.

Quality Control:

• Review and validate that layouts, mixes, loops and pick sequences are accurate and complete before releasing files for production, ensuring that customers receive the correct cards in each box or package.
• Ensure the Collation Planner Checklist is reviewed and signed by both a Planner and a Supervisor or Quality Representative prior to production.
• Identify and report any discrepancies or inconsistencies found in job files to the Collation Lead or Supervisor and take corrective action as needed.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Save completed files as PDF documents in the Documents folder and print copies to hand to the Collation team.
• Export the Characteristic and Picklist files as .csv files for jobs assigned to the Collation Machine, saving them to the shared network drive (FTP) and emailing them to the Collation Lead/Supervisors for backup and traceability purposes.
• Maintain organized job folders in the Commonshare and Collation Plan SharePoint directories for each job.

Safety Compliance:

• Adhere to safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for oneself and others within the Shrinkwrap area.
• Report any safety hazards or incidents to the appropriate personnel immediately.
• Keep work areas clean and organized to ensure a safe and efficient workspace.

Teamwork:

• Communicate with the Process Engineering team to obtain and confirm job file information needed to build each layout.
• Work closely with the Collation Lead, Supervisor and Collation team to communicate job priorities, deviations and file updates.
• Communicate effectively with team members, leads and supervisors to ensure a smooth handoff of collation files and resolve any production issues.

Training:

• Assist in the training of new Collation Planners to adhere to the company's standard planning processes and procedures.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent is a plus.

Skills/Experience:

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or production planning environment is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Access, preferably with knowledge of Macros.
• Proficient in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications).
• Skilled in Power Query.
• Experienced with Power BI.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Skilled in data analysis.
• Effective problem-solver.
• Responsible and well-organized.
• Team-oriented and collaborative.
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Basic understanding of mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, is required.
• Proficiency in reading and writing.

Physical Demands

Specific eyesight requirements:

• Ability to distinguish between colors.
• Visual acuity to read fine print on documents and screens.
• Depth perception to operate machinery safely.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Standing and Walking:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Frequent movement within the production area to supervise and assist team members.

Lifting and Carrying:

• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Occasional lifting of heavier  items with the assistance of equipment or team members.

Bending, Stooping, and Kneeling:

• Regular bending, stooping, and kneeling to inspect machinery, perform maintenance tasks, and handle materials.
• Flexibility to work in low positions and confined spaces as needed.

Reaching and Handling:

• Frequently reaching overhead and below shoulder level to access materials and operate machinery.
• Manual dexterity to handle small parts and tools accurately.

Pushing and Pulling:

• Ability to push and pull carts, equipment, and materials as needed within the production area.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Regular use of PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and safety shoes.
• Compliance with all safety protocols and regulations regarding PPE usage.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and potential hazards.
• Tolerance for working in conditions that may include dust, fumes, and strong odors.

Physical Stamina:

• Endurance to work extended hours, including overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays as production demands.
• Ability to remain alert and focused during long shifts and high-pressure situations.

EMPLOYER’S RIGHTS:

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for this job's performance.  It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified.  Management retains the right to add to or change the duties at any time.

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