Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Equipment Planner

💰 $75,000 - $115,000 Annually (Estimated)

Supply ChainOperationsLogisticsPlanningProject ManagementConstructionHealthcare

🎯 Role Definition

As an Equipment Planner, you are the strategic linchpin ensuring our operations have the right tools to succeed at the right time. This role goes beyond simple procurement; you are the master architect of our entire equipment ecosystem. You will be responsible for the comprehensive lifecycle management of all capital equipment, from initial needs assessment and strategic sourcing to installation, maintenance, and eventual disposal. The ideal candidate will blend technical knowledge, financial acumen, and project management expertise to optimize our asset portfolio, ensure operational readiness, and drive significant value for the organization. This position is crucial for bridging the gap between operational needs, project timelines, and financial strategy.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Project Coordinator
  • Procurement Specialist / Buyer
  • Maintenance Planner
  • Logistics Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Equipment Planner
  • Capital Projects Manager
  • Asset Manager
  • Director of Operations / Supply Chain

Lateral Moves:

  • Project Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Senior Procurement Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute long-range capital equipment strategies, including comprehensive lifecycle management from acquisition and installation to maintenance, upgrade, and final disposition.
  • Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including project management, clinical/operational leadership, and facilities, to accurately identify, define, and forecast equipment needs for new construction, renovation, and replacement projects.
  • Conduct in-depth market analysis and technology assessments to evaluate new equipment options, identify qualified vendors, and provide data-driven recommendations that align with both operational requirements and financial goals.
  • Prepare, manage, and meticulously track multi-million dollar capital equipment budgets, ensuring all expenditures are aligned with project timelines, flagging variances, and reporting financial status to senior leadership.
  • Lead the end-to-end procurement process by developing detailed technical specifications, creating and issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and analyzing vendor bids for compliance and value.
  • Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and service level agreements with equipment vendors and manufacturers to maximize value and ensure long-term support for the organization.
  • Create and maintain an authoritative, centralized equipment database or Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system, ensuring pristine data accuracy for asset tracking, depreciation, maintenance scheduling, and regulatory compliance.
  • Develop detailed equipment location and placement plans, often reviewing or coordinating with architects using CAD or Revit drawings to ensure proper spatial fit, workflow integration, and utility requirements.
  • Orchestrate the complex logistics of equipment delivery, staging, installation, and commissioning, coordinating with vendors, contractors, and internal staff to minimize disruption to ongoing operations.
  • Establish and oversee preventive maintenance programs and service contracts, analyzing performance to ensure maximum equipment uptime, operational reliability, and extended asset lifespan.
  • Analyze equipment utilization data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for redeployment of underused assets, process optimization, and strategic decommissioning.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on equipment planning, ensuring all activities and documentation adhere to industry-specific regulatory standards such as The Joint Commission, HIPAA, OSHA, and other local, state, and federal guidelines.
  • Lead and facilitate regular stakeholder meetings to drive consensus on equipment selections, standardize equipment across facilities where appropriate, and communicate project status, risks, and timelines.
  • Generate and present comprehensive reports on equipment inventory, budget performance, project milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to project teams and executive management.
  • Perform thorough assessments of existing equipment inventories to evaluate condition, technological obsolescence, and suitability for future needs, informing the long-range capital replacement plan.
  • Act as the central point of communication and escalation for all equipment-related issues, from initial planning inquiries through post-installation support and warranty claims.
  • Review architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) documents to confirm that building infrastructure can support the specified equipment requirements.
  • Coordinate and facilitate end-user training on new equipment in partnership with vendors and internal education departments to ensure safe and effective operation from day one.
  • Manage the end-of-life process for retired assets, including coordinating decommissioning, resale, donation, or disposal in a fiscally and environmentally responsible manner.
  • Conduct regular site visits and physical audits to verify equipment inventories, assess on-the-ground conditions, and build strong relationships with frontline operational staff.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to asset performance and capital spend.
  • Contribute to the organization's capital planning and asset management strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs and operational workflows into engineering and facility requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within project management and operations teams.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Capital Budgeting & Financial Analysis
  • Procurement, Sourcing, & Contract Negotiation
  • Project Management Methodologies (e.g., PMP, Agile)
  • Proficiency in Asset Management Software (e.g., CMMS, EAM)
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel (for data analysis, modeling, pivot tables)
  • Familiarity with reviewing CAD/Revit drawings for space and utility planning
  • Supply Chain & Logistics Coordination
  • Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Soft Skills

  • Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Exceptional Written and Verbal Communication
  • Strategic Thinking & Long-Range Planning
  • Critical Thinking & Complex Problem-Solving
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail & Superior Organization
  • Strong Negotiation & Influencing Skills
  • Adaptability in Dynamic and Fast-Paced Project Environments

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree (e.g., MBA, MHA) and/or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, CMRP - Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional)

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Engineering (Biomedical, Industrial)
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Construction Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years in equipment planning, procurement, project management, or a related field.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a specific industry (e.g., healthcare, construction, manufacturing, life sciences).
  • Proven track record of managing large-scale capital equipment budgets and projects.
  • Hands-on experience with major EAM/CMMS software platforms.
  • Experience working on new construction or large-scale renovation projects is highly desirable.
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