Planner, Manufacturing ​/ Production, Operations Manager

Job Description

The Planner is responsible for developing the master production plan to satisfy customer demand while carrying minimum effective inventory. This position is also in charge of issuing releases to the manufacturing floor and requisitions to purchasing. The qualified individual will be responsible for providing the product line(s) with a quarterly production plan consistent with the capacity and demand forecast. Working in conjunction with Operations Management and Product Line Manager, the Planner is responsible for determining the desired inventory levels including safety stock levels.

Develop and maintain the forecast for assigned product lines in collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and other key stakeholders. Ensure accuracy of data and alignment to customer needs as well as Revenue goals.

Participate in Revenue Tracking process to highlight Upside and Downside opportunities and actively manage to maximize revenue and customer satisfaction.

Create and Manage the Build Plan for assigned product lines in alignment with Sales Orders and Forecast as well as capacity and labor constraints. Manage Capacity Planning versus current and future build plan needs.

Create and manage jobs in an ERP environment in alignment with build plan. This includes prioritizing sales orders in alignment with company policy, establishing alternate Bill of Materials manually as needed and monitoring job completions vs plan.

Act as key member of Focus Factory Team, including reporting various metrics, actively participating in weekly and monthly meetings and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to effectively manage assigned product lines.

Identify and manage Exceptions like material shortages, late jobs and quality issues.

Work closely with stockroom and production to ensure on time shipments to customers and clear communication to sales on ship dates. This includes processing Green Card requests.

Schedule all sales orders for assigned product lines and ensure accurate and timely ship dates are provided to Customer Service team. Drive to improve ship dates when they are not in alignment with customer request. Collaborate effectively with Customer Service in customer expedite requests, schedule changes and all Sales Order holds.

Drive continuous improvement projects to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of Planning Business processes and provide guidance on best practices.

Collaborate with colleagues at other sites and at other divisions to standardize processes and drive improvements.

Create Excel reports, templates or macros to improve the planning functions.

Manage Change Orders and Corrective Action/Preventive Action for assigned product in collaboration with cross functional teams.

Participate in Internal Audits and ensure compliance to all necessary laws, regulations, and corporate policies.

Track and Manage Inventory levels for assigned product lines.

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline or APICS certification desired
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems;
  Microsoft AX experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years production planning and scheduling experience in a mix model manufacturing environment desired, 7 preferred.
• US Citizen is required due to exposure to components and documentation regulated by ITAR
• Experience leading process improvement projects
• Experience in managing manufacturing processes as related to scheduling activities.
• Sound knowledge of supply chain processes and procedures including manufacturing planning, demand, and replenishment processes.
• Strategic thinker, strong analytical skills, able to synthesize considerable and complex data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel desired).
• Experience in Data reporting services i.e. Tableau, Power Bi preferred
• Experience with Forecasting tools i.e. Demantra, Demand Works Smoothie preferred
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to reason and influence at all levels.
• Strong communication, organization skills.
• Strong problem solving and analysis skills.
• Ability to understand customer demand and how to alter production to meet demand as well as an ability to manage complexity and resolve conflicts that arise from balancing…