What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Production Planner / Master Scheduler position at JGA Space & Defense?
Company Description
JGA Space & Defense (JGA) is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed leader in the space and defense industry. We specialize in the manufacturing of critical propulsion components, including solid rocket motor insulators and nozzle assemblies, supporting some of the most demanding programs in aerospace and national defense. With a recently expanded footprint in Huntersville, NC and significant investment from our partners, we are entering a pivotal phase of growth. We are seeking an experienced Senior Production Planner / Master Scheduler to join our team and help build the people foundation that supports our mission to power the next generation of space and defense technology.
Position Summary
The Senior Production Planner / Master Scheduler is responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining the master production schedule to ensure that customer orders, inventory goals, and manufacturing capabilities are aligned. This role serves as the link between sales, procurement, and production to optimize efficiency, maintain delivery performance, and support company objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) based on demand forecasts, production capacity, material availability, and customer requirements.
- Analyze and adjust schedules in response to changes in demand, capacity constraints, or supply chain interruptions.
- Coordinate with purchasing, inventory, and production teams to ensure material and resource availability for all planned production runs.
- Monitor and report key production metrics, such as on-time delivery, capacity utilization, and schedule adherence.
- Participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings to align production plans with business goals.
- Manage system data accuracy within ERP/MRP systems, ensuring timely updates to production orders, lead times, and item master data.
- Communicate production priorities and constraints to production supervisors and management.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to reduce downtime, eliminate bottlenecks, and enhance overall scheduling efficiency.
- Support continuous improvement efforts in planning and operational processes.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10 – 15 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain roles in a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics). JobBoss Experience is preferred.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles preferred.
- APICS CPIM or CSCP certification preferred.
Key Competencies
- Strategic planning and problem-solving
- Data-driven decision-making
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Adaptability in a dynamic production environment