Manager Production Planning

Job Title

Manager, Production Planning

Richmond, VA (South Chesterfield, VA)

We are looking for a Manager, Production Planning, to manage the daily manufacturing work by overseeing staff to schedule, coordinate and execute the production plans by ensuring materials and processes align to meet targets, balance demand and deliver products efficiently and on time to customers. The Manager, Production Planning is key in ensuring that production runs efficiently and the company achieves its financial goals and customer goals.

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with strong expertise in production control, ERP/MRP systems, manufacturing planning, inventory management, and cross‑functional coordination. This position plays a critical role in balancing customer demand, manufacturing capacity, inventory optimization, and operational performance. This role will have 17 hourly direct reports and will report to the Sr. Director Supply Chain.

• Review daily/weekly/monthly schedules for the plant.
• Scheduling & Coordination:
  Develop and implement production schedules, allocating work to multiple lines or teams.
• Team Leadership:
  Direct, supervise, and train production employees, managing timekeeping and absenteeism.
• Lead all production control and planning activities to support manufacturing operations and customer delivery requirements.
• Resource Management:
  Ensure sufficient materials, labor, and equipment are available for production runs.
• Monitoring & Problem‑Solving:
  Track production status, identify delays, and adjust plans to maintain timely delivery.
• Quality & Efficiency:
  Maintain production standards, optimize workflows, and minimize costs.
• Work cross‑functionally with Sales, Business Units, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Operations to ensure cross‑functional alignment and meet company objectives.
• Various projects as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or related field (preferred).
• 2‑4 years of experience in manufacturing.
• 3‑5+ years of leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations within shift‑based environments.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills highly preferred.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems for integrated planning and reporting.
• Excellent project management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to respond to change with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Effective communication and people skills.
• Six Sigma Certification.
• APICS certification.
• Automotive or aerospace manufacturing experience.

• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to multi‑task competing priorities and projects at the same time.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft suite of products including Power BI.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• 401k Retirement Plan.
• Flexible Spending.
• Paid Holidays.

Dover Food Retail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.