Sr. Production Planner

Sr. Production Planner

Location:

Billerica, MA, USA

Excelitas Technologies is a global technology leader specializing in advanced photonics solutions across multiple industries.

The Senior Production Planner is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of all production planning and scheduling activities. This role drives operational excellence by maintaining precise planning data, optimizing material flow, and coordinating cross‑functional efforts to meet customer demand while achieving quality, cost, inventory, and delivery objectives. The Senior Production Planner serves as a key operational leader who ensures that production plans are executable, reliable, and aligned with organizational goals.

Associate or bachelor's degree preferred; 7+ years of experience in manufacturing planning and scheduling. Expert-level proficiency in MRP logic, capacity planning, routings, standards, and order policies. Strong knowledge of master scheduling, demand management, purchasing, and cost accounting. Proven track record in inventory management, cycle counting, and inventory accuracy improvement. Advanced Microsoft Excel and data‑analysis skills. Exceptional communication, organizational, and cross‑functional coordination abilities.

Experience applying Lean Manufacturing concepts to improve operational flow. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong commitment to quality, safety, and process discipline.

Maintain accurate and consolidated planning inputs, including sales orders, forecasts, custom orders, and strategic build plans. Develop, manage, and continuously refine production schedules to ensure on‑time delivery and operational stability. Coordinate with supply chain and production to resolve material shortages, late shipments, and schedule disruptions. Plan resource requirements, including labor, equipment, and materials, to support efficient production execution. Monitor inventory levels and recommend adjustments to prevent shortages, excess, and obsolescence.

Ensure planning data integrity, including BOM accuracy, routings, lead times, and capacity parameters. Track production performance, identify deviations, and drive corrective actions to maintain schedule adherence. Analyze capacity constraints and recommend load‑leveling or resource adjustments. Support prototype builds and NPI activities, ensuring planning accuracy and material readiness. Collaborate with supervisors and cross‑functional teams to implement new processes and improve workflow.

Identify and implement operational improvements that enhance throughput, reduce cost, and strengthen planning accuracy. Monitor material flow and proactively identify bottlenecks or risks to production continuity. Communicate schedule updates, risks, and performance metrics to stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.