Senior Production Planning Manager

Production and Inventory Control Manager

Essex Solutions creates innovative magnet wire solutions that power our customers’ success. With more than a century of excellence, we are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and a diverse, inclusive workplace. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Production and Inventory Control Manager to lead planning and inventory operations across North America.

Position Overview

The Production and Inventory Control Manager is responsible for production planning and inventory control across Essex Solutions North America. This role ensures efficient material flow for raw materials, work‑in‑process, and finished goods, maintains inventory accuracy, and supports financial and customer‑service objectives. The manager drives cross‑functional coordination with Production, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Quality and Logistics to optimize operations and meet business targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Master production schedule: Develop and maintain the master production schedule for all North American plants based on demand forecasts, customer orders, and capacity constraints.
• Schedule management: Monitor schedule adherence and proactively adjust plans to resolve constraints or disruptions.
• Inventory control: Oversee inventory processes to ensure accuracy, minimize variances, and meet financial and service targets.
• Inventory strategy: Set and monitor inventory targets, safety stock, and replenishment policies.
• Procurement partnership: Collaborate with Procurement to ensure material availability while reducing excess and obsolete stock.
• Tracking systems: Design and maintain systems to track WIP, finished goods, and consignment inventory.
• Performance analysis: Analyze inventory usage and production data to recommend improvements in inventory performance and production efficiency.
• Reporting: Measure and report inventory levels and turns.
• Team leadership: Recruit, train, and supervise schedulers and lead the planning and inventory control efforts.
• System consistency: Ensure consistent use of MRP, DRP, and scheduling systems across all sites.
• Cross‑functional alignment: Partner with Materials, Sales, Finance, and Plant leadership to balance production and inventory priorities.
• Continuous improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve material flow.
• Lean support: Support lean manufacturing initiatives, including standard work, visual management, and root cause problem solving.
• Project participation: Lead or participate in cross‑functional improvement projects and support sales forecasting, purchasing requirements, and new product introductions.
• Culture: Foster accountability, operational discipline, and a continuous improvement mindset

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or related field; APICS/CPIM/CSCP preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years in production planning, inventory control, or manufacturing operations, including at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience overseeing multiple sites.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Systems: Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and production workflows; ERP implementation experience is desired.
• Skills: Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Methodologies: Familiarity with lean principles, problem solving, and continuous improvement tools.
• Work style: Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 20%.