Senior Production Planning Analyst

ebm-papst, Inc.

Job Description

Senior Production Planning Analyst 

Position Summary

The Senior Production Planning Analyst develops and maintains the production allocation strategy for North American manufacturing facilities. This role provides analytical leadership for plant capacity management, maintains capacity models and ERP capacity data, and converts demand, production, and performance information into actionable recommendations.

The Senior Production Planning Analyst monitors plant performance and schedule adherence, evaluates capacity requirements for suppliers and future business opportunities, supports capacity expansion projects, and leads the monthly capacity review within the SIOP process. The role partners closely with Plant Operations, Production Planning, Purchasing, Engineering, Sales, and the broader supply chain organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Allocation Strategy

· Develop and maintain the production allocation strategy for North American manufacturing facilities

· Translate demand, product mix, capacity, and operational constraints into recommended production allocations

· Partner with plant and supply chain leaders to evaluate allocation scenarios and resolve capacity imbalances

· Communicate approved allocation plans, assumptions, risks, and changes to affected stakeholders

2. Plant Capacity Management & Systems

· Develop, maintain, and improve plant capacity models for North American facilities

· Maintain accurate plant capacity parameters and master data in the ERP system

· Validate model assumptions with plant operations, engineering, and production planning teams

· Identify capacity constraints, underutilized resources, and risks requiring escalation or corrective action

3. Performance Monitoring & SIOP Capacity Review

· Track and monitor plant performance results, schedule adherence, capacity utilization, and other planning indicators

· Analyze variances between planned and actual performance and coordinate follow-up actions with plant teams

· Prepare capacity scenarios, risks, decisions, and recommendations for the monthly SIOP cycle

· Lead monthly capacity review meetings as part of the SIOP process and document actions, owners, and due dates

4. Capacity Studies & Expansion Support

· Support the Purchasing team with supplier capacity studies and assessments

· Complete capacity studies for future business inquiries, new products, transfers, and demand changes

· Work with the Industrialization team on capacity expansion projects, including requirements, timing, and implementation readiness

· Present capacity findings, alternatives, investment needs, and risks to cross-functional stakeholders

Qualifications

Education & Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field

· 5 years of experience in production planning, capacity planning, supply chain, or manufacturing operations

· Demonstrated experience developing capacity models and performing scenario-based capacity studies

· Experience working with ERP planning parameters and production master data

· APICS certification or Lean Six Sigma training preferred

Technical Skills

· Advanced analytical capability in capacity planning, production allocation, scenario modeling, and performance reporting

· Advanced Excel skills; experience with business intelligence or analytics tools preferred

· Strong working knowledge of ERP systems, production master data, and planning parameters; SAP experience preferred

· Understanding of production planning, manufacturing constraints, schedule adherence, and SIOP processes

· Ability to transform complex operational data into clear findings, recommendations, and executive-ready presentations

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

· Strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to data accuracy

· Ability to influence cross-functional teams and challenge assumptions with fact-based analysis

· Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills for plant and leadership audiences

· Structured problem-solving and decision-making skills

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and recurring planning cycles in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

· Strong meeting facilitation, follow-through, and accountability for assigned actions

Key Success Metrics

· Production allocation strategy reflects demand, product mix, plant capability, and approved business priorities

· Plant capacity models and ERP capacity data are accurate, current, and aligned

· Capacity constraints and performance gaps are identified early with clear mitigation actions

· Plant performance and schedule adherence are monitored consistently and reported with actionable analysis

· Supplier and future-business capacity studies are completed accurately and on time

· Monthly SIOP capacity reviews drive timely decisions, accountable actions, and improved capacity readiness

Benefits: Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance; HSA options; life and disability insurance; voluntary supplemental benefits; a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions; and paid time off.