Production Planning Manager

About Elmet Technologies

Elmet Technologies is a U.S.-based manufacturer of precision-engineered products serving global industries, including defense, aerospace, semiconductor, and energy. As a division of The Elmet Group, Elmet leverages shared corporate services while maintaining a strong operational focus on advanced materials processing and precision manufacturing. Operating in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment, Elmet relies on strong planning and operational coordination to meet customer commitments while maintaining quality, efficiency, and profitability.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Planning Manager to lead production planning, scheduling, and materials coordination activities at our manufacturing facility in Coldwater, MI.

This role is responsible for aligning customer demand, production capacity, material availability, and operational priorities to ensure on-time delivery and efficient resource utilization. The Planning Manager will oversee master scheduling, capacity planning, inventory management, and cross-functional coordination while leading a team of planners and serving as a key partner to Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales.

This is a leadership opportunity for a strategic thinker who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and enjoys balancing customer commitments, operational constraints, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production planning, scheduling, and materials coordination activities across the business
• Develop and manage the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and capacity planning processes
• Drive forecasting, lead time management, and monthly revenue projections
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Engineering, and Quality to resolve scheduling constraints and prioritize work
• Monitor production flow, inventory levels, and material availability to support on-time delivery
• Analyze operational data to identify bottlenecks, improve throughput, and reduce lead times
• Support new product introductions and manufacturing readiness planning
• Maintain ERP/MRP planning data accuracy and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop, mentor, and lead planning team members while fostering cross-functional collaboration

What Success Looks Like

• Improved on-time delivery performance and schedule adherence
• Accurate production forecasts and capacity plans
• Optimized inventory levels and material availability
• Reduced lead times and improved production flow
• Strong cross-functional alignment between Planning, Operations, Engineering, and Sales
• Increased visibility into risks, opportunities, and production priorities
• Continuous improvement in planning processes, workflow efficiency, and operational performance

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience considered
• 5 years of planning, scheduling, supply chain, or manufacturing leadership experience
• Experience in a manufacturing or machine shop environment strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, capacity planning, inventory management, and forecasting
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles preferred

Why Join Elmet Technologies

• Opportunity to lead planning operations within a growing advanced manufacturing organization
• Exposure to aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and energy industries
• High-impact role influencing operational performance and customer satisfaction
• Collaborative culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and execution
• Opportunity to develop and mentor planning professionals while shaping operational strategy
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) from day one.

Search Process Note

The Elmet Group is managing this search directly and is not accepting submissions from outside recruitment firms.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Elmet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.