IPL is a global leading sustainable packaging solutions provider that manufactures specialty rigid packaging products used in the food, consumer, agricultural, logistics and environmental markets. Sustainability is essential to the long-term success of our business. As a packaging company that develops plastic-based solutions for our customers, it is imperative that we meet the customer needs while being mindful of our operational impacts and the need to preserve our planet. We are committed to running our business responsibly and in ways that drive environmental, social and economic value for our stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, employees and local communities. We employ over 2,500 people in 18 manufacturing facilities, 2 corporate & sales offices and 3 R&D facilities across Canada, China, Europe, and the United States.

Read more about our story at: www.iplglobal.com.

Job Title: Master Production Planner

Location: Leominster, North America

As a Master Production Planner, you will be responsible for overseeing the production planning process to ensure timely and efficient manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with various teams to develop and maintain production schedules, optimize inventory levels, and monitor production capacity.

Job Overview and key duties (agile)

• Participate and adhere to Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE/Master Production Planning) process in collaboration with the S&OE Manager.
• Participate in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process including long term capacity planning in collaboration with the S&OP Manager.
• Review customer forecasts (where applicable) on a monthly basis or as provided, input into the ERP system when applicable, and communicate concerns or inconsistencies with the commercial team consistent with knowledge of current or historical demand.
• Develop, implement, and control the Master Production Schedule considering demand, capacity, and materials availability constraints in collaboration with the site Operations team.
• Prepares and manages the detailed production schedule and relevant work orders within the ERP system.
• Utilize ERP systems and other tools to track production performance, analyze data, and generate reports to support decision-making.
• Monitor actual output versus the Master Production Plans. Identify gaps and drive solutions, including a metric on production performance to the requested production schedule.
• Analyses and works collaboratively to solve capacity and manufacturing exceptions within the firm horizon (short term) and monitors the medium term (mid-range horizon) in collaboration with the S&OE Manager.
• Ensure availability and adequate inventory levels are available to support the Manufacturing Plan.
• Coordinate and facilitate cross functional planning meetings to assess actual throughput in opposition to planned and convey changes or updates to master production schedule.
• Monitor and update proper production standards and efficiencies within the production plan to ensure successful execution and commitment to product availability.
• Make delivery commitments on MTO products, which involve checking uncommitted material and availability of capacity.
• Manage and distribute shop orders to the production floor ensuring detailed communication of material and/or packaging changes.
• Accountable for inventory for all materials, components, and finished goods for relevant site driving reduction projects in line with working capital goals while supporting customer demand.
• Key member of the Aged Inventory Review process with emphasis on reduction of obsolescence and write off risk through systemic corrective action.
• Continuously improve production planning processes and systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Additional information (including specialized qualifications / skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, or related field, or equivalent operational experience.
• 5 years of demonstrated experience in Production Planning, specifically in manufacturing operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of implementing process improvements and achieving operational excellence.
• Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends in supply chain management.
• Experience in supply chain planning within multiple ERP systems; IFS experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in managing supply operations multi-product manufacturing environments.
• Advanced data analytic skills, including expertise in analyzing data trends, forecasting, and classifying data.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs; familiarity with Business Analytics and Microsoft Power BI is advantageous.
• Commercial and financial acumen is preferred.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively to implement change, structure, and process improvements, fostering continual cultural, technological, and operational transformation.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork skills, capable of working across multiple functional areas.