Director, Planning and Production Control

Worker Type Regular Job  Description Summary The  Director, Planning and Production Control is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all aspects of production planning, inventory management, and material flow across the organization. This role ensures that production schedules are aligned with customer demand, resources are effectively utilized, and materials are available to meet production goals. The Director will lead a team of planning professionals and collaborate with other departments to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure on-time delivery of products.

Position Responsibilities Develop and implement production planning strategies that align with organizational goals and optimize the use of resources, labor, and materials.

Oversee the creation of master production schedules and ensure they are in line with demand forecasts, capacity, and materials availability.

Direct inventory control processes, including raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, to minimize excess inventory while ensuring production needs are met.

Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in production planning and control processes, implementing best practices to improve efficiency and reduce lead times.

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of planning and production control professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.

Work closely with manufacturing, procurement, engineering, and sales teams to coordinate efforts and ensure seamless production operations.

Monitor and mitigate risks related to production delays, material shortages, and capacity constraints.

Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of production planning and control efforts. Provide regular reports to senior leadership.

Manage departmental budget and control costs related to production planning, inventory, and material handling.

Leverage advanced planning and scheduling systems (APS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of production planning.

Ensure compliance with industry regulations, quality standards, and safety protocols in all production planning activities.

Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field or 12 + years equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

At least 5 years in leadership role

Deep understanding of SIOP, MRP, master scheduling and capacity planning. In addition, will work closely with local supply chain teams to develop Planning BOMs, S&OP Metrics and Inventory Plans.

Proficient in using manufacturing software systems and tools, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, advanced planning systems (APS), and data analytics  knowledge of manufacturing principles, processes, and technologies, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies, used in lean manufacturing and aerospace & defense manufacturing

Strong project management skills, including experience managing large-scale production projects.

Thorough understanding of the policies and practices

Excellent Verbal and written communication skills

Excellent organizational and managerial skills

Ability to set long-term goals and communicate them to others

Ability to motivate and organize multiple efforts to accomplish goals

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Masters degree preferred

Certification in APICS, Lean Six Sigma, or other relevant supply chain/production control certifications.

Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances

Inspires, motivates, and…