Smith & Nephew

Capacity Planner

Smith & Nephew$70K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in production planning, capacity planning, or supply chain operations
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel
  • Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred
  • APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) preferred or in progress

Responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain production plans to support the Master Production Schedule (MPS)
  • Perform finite capacity scheduling and analyze constraints to ensure optimal production flow
  • Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) queues and production feedback; take corrective action as needed
  • Maintain and ensure accuracy of master data for assigned product lines
  • Manage supplier delivery schedules within SAP and support monthly forecast communication
  • Support cross-functional improvement initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, cost reduction, lead time improvements)
  • Partner with Customer Service, Sales, and Product Management to support business and product strategy

Benefits

  • 401k Matching Program
  • Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off
  • Paid Community Service Day
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually)
  • Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship training
  • Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!
Full Job Description
The Capacity Planner 3 is a key role within the Supply Chain organization, responsible for establishing and controlling production plans to support the Master Production Schedule while ensuring alignment between demand, capacity, materials, and inventory.

This role collaborates cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to optimize labor and material utilization, manage supply and demand balance, and maintain target service levels across the global supply chain.

The position requires strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to balance short-term priorities while supporting longer-term capacity planning and business objectives. Key objectives include achieving and improving customer service levels, optimizing inventory, and proactively identifying and mitigating capacity and supply risks.

What will you be doing?

Production & Capacity Planning
  • Establish and maintain production plans to support the Master Production Schedule (MPS)
  • Perform finite capacity scheduling and analyze constraints to ensure optimal production flow
  • Develop and maintain capacity plans aligned with forecasted demand and production capabilities
  • Execute replenishment orders and adjust plans based on MRP and schedule changes
  • Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) queues and production feedback; take corrective action as needed
  • Maintain and communicate production priorities and status to shop floor and master planners
  • Proactively identify and escalate product and material availability risks
  • Ensure product availability to support customer order fulfillment


Materials & System Planning
  • Maintain and ensure accuracy of master data for assigned product lines
  • Update and revise system planning parameters in SAP to support future requirements
  • Maintain communication with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials
  • Manage supplier delivery schedules within SAP and support monthly forecast communication


Inventory Management
  • Monitor inventory levels, discrepancies, and non-conforming materials; take corrective action
  • Maintain timely resolution and rework of returned goods
  • Manage hold notices, recalls, and inventory-related compliance activities
  • Support inventory optimization, including safety stock levels and reduction initiatives
  • Track and support inventory performance metrics and reporting


Project Management & Continuous Improvement
  • Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) and product launch activities
  • Support cross-functional improvement initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, cost reduction, lead time improvements)
  • Assist in the development and implementation of production and inventory control policies
  • Support Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and initiate required system or planning updates
  • Complete special projects and assignments as required


Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Customer Service, Sales, and Product Management to support business and product strategy
  • Maintain strong communication with Manufacturing to confirm production and shipping schedules
  • Monitor open production orders to ensure on-time delivery to customers


What will you need to be successful?

  • Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in production planning, capacity planning, or supply chain operations


Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
  • Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills
  • Self-starter with the ability to work independently and respond quickly to changing priorities
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel
  • Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred
  • APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) preferred or in progress


Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology company headquartered in London, England. The company designs, manufactures, and sells medical devices and products for orthopedic reconstruction, sports medicine, and trauma. Smith & Nephew operates in more than 100 countries and employs over 17,500 people worldwide. The company was founded in 1856 by Thomas James Smith and his nephew, Horatio Nelson Smith, and has grown through a series of mergers and acquisitions. Smith & Nephew's products include joint replacement systems, wound care products, and surgical instruments. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
Learn more about Smith & Nephew
Size
17,500 employees
Market Cap
$11.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$448 million
5 Year Trend
+2.2%
Revenue
$4.5 billion

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