Production Planning Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

Coordinate and optimize production schedules to maximize manufacturing efficiency, minimize downtime, and ensure timely delivery of products. This role supports operational performance by streamlining production runs, guiding workflow for their team, managing resources, and supporting continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Production Scheduling & Coordination

• Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules based on demand forecasts and inventory levels.
• Adjust schedules proactively to address changes in orders, resource availability, or production delays.
• Coordinate with procurement, inventory, and manufacturing teams to ensure timely availability of materials and resources.
• Communicate schedule changes and production priorities to relevant departments.
• Provide work direction to team members involved in scheduling and inventory support to ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Efficiency & Process Optimization

• Monitor production progress and identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in real time.
• Analyze production data to recommend and implement process improvements.
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives to reduce waste and optimize run efficiency.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency.
• Guide team members in problem-solving and workflow adjustments to support continuous improvement and remove obstacles affecting production flow.

Inventory Management

• Track inventory levels of raw materials, components, and finished goods to prevent shortages or overstock.
• Initiate orders or adjustments as needed to maintain inventory within target ranges.
• Collaborate with warehouse and procurement teams to align inventory with production needs.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory transactions and variances.
• Oversee the accuracy and effectiveness of inventory-related tasks performed by team members, offering clarification and support when needed.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure production runs meet company quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support quality control processes by monitoring output and addressing deviations promptly.
• Document and report quality issues, collaborating with relevant teams to resolve them.
• Promote a culture of safety and compliance throughout the production process.

Communication & Reporting

• Provide timely updates on production status, issues, and schedule changes to management and cross-functional teams.
• Prepare and present regular production reports, including output, efficiency, and quality metrics.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to align production plans with business goals.
• Maintain clear documentation of production plans, changes, and outcomes.
• Support team development by offering timely feedback, clarifying expectations, and helping staff build skills related to scheduling, documentation, and reporting.

OBJECTIVES:

Achieve 98% on-time completion of scheduled production runs each month
Measured by monthly production schedule adherence reports

Reduce production downtime by 10% within the first 6 months
Measured by downtime tracking and incident logs

Maintain inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods within ±5% of target levels each quarter
Measured by inventory variance reports

Identify and implement at least two process improvements annually to increase run efficiency or reduce waste
Measured by documented process changes and resulting efficiency metrics

Communicate production status and schedule changes to relevant teams within 1 hour of any significant deviation
Measured by timestamped communications and incident logs

COMPETENCIES:

• Critical Thinking: The ability to seek information, use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems, and make conclusions.
• Communication: The ability to effectively express ideas and information in a clear and organized manner so it is understood by others, both orally and in writing.
• Professional Judgement: The ability to use critical thinking, analysis and assessment of implications, identification of patterns, making connections of underlying issues, and the ownership of the outcome.
• Managing Performance: Take responsibility for one’s own or one’s employee’s performance, by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress against the goals, ensuring feedback, and addressing performance problems and issues promptly.
• Judgement and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) 

Experience and/or training: 

• 1 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing operations 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively in a team environment

Preferred:

• Experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies 
• Knowledge of inventory management principles and best practices

Licenses/Certificates: None

Technology/Equipment: Proficient with Microsoft Office products, advanced Excel experience, working knowledge of ERP systems and/or manufacturing software or advanced planning software.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

Standing for the working hours of each shift, 10 hours daily. Walking in the Production department to different areas of work. Speaking, hearing, seeing. Listen and observe the environment for hazard prevention. Use hands for tools. Regularly lift 30-50 lbs. throughout shift. Team-lift as specified by leadership. Employees may perform tasks that require bending, twisting, and turning frequently.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor working environment, hot in Summer, temperature controlled in Winter. Moving machinery, i.e. forklifts, moveable carts, etc. Uneven ground where cart tracks are identified. Air quality may be dusty and potentially require additional PPE in certain areas. Sound level below 85 decibels except in areas specified as requiring hearing protection.