Director of Planning & SchedulingJob SummaryThe Director of Planning & Scheduling is a hands-on role responsible for owning and optimizing manufacturing planning and scheduling processes using our Infor CloudSuite Industrial/Syteline ERP system. This role partners closely with Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality, and directly with executive leadership, to ensure demand and supply are balanced, inventory is optimized, and production runs efficiently. The Director of Planning & Scheduling owns the Sales & Operations Planning (SIOP) process end-to-end, sets planning strategy and standards, reviews safety stock adequacy, conducts lead time reviews, and troubleshoots complex planning issues such as production bottlenecks, operating with a high degree of independence and serving as the organization's senior subject-matter expert on planning and scheduling.
Essential FunctionsSales & Operations Planning (SIOP) Process- Own and lead the monthly SIOP process, setting the agenda and driving decisions across sales, operations, finance, and executive leadership teams
- Analyze demand forecasts, inventory levels, and production capacity to balance supply and demand across the product portfolio
- Set the strategy for, develop, and maintain master production schedules (MPS) aligned with business objectives and customer commitments
- Monitor and report on SIOP KPIs, including forecast accuracy, safety stock levels, and on-time delivery performance
Safety Stock & Inventory Management- Regularly review and assess safety stock levels across all SKUs to balance service levels with carrying costs
- Establish and maintain appropriate safety stock targets based on lead time variability and demand volatility
- Identify opportunities to reduce excess inventory while maintaining target service levels
- Conduct monthly inventory adequacy reviews and present findings and recommendations to operations leadership
Lead Time Management & Compliance- Conduct regular lead time reviews for raw materials, components, and finished goods
- Monitor vendor and internal manufacturing performance against established lead time standards and guidelines
- Identify and escalate lead time variances; collaborate with Procurement to implement corrective actions
- Maintain lead time documentation and update planning parameters within Syteline as conditions change
Planning Issue Troubleshooting & Optimization- Identify and troubleshoot planning anomalies, including production bottlenecks, material shortages, and capacity constraints
- Analyze root causes of planning exceptions and recommend corrective actions to Operations and Procurement teams
- Monitor Syteline alerts and exception reports; investigate and resolve planning discrepancies in a timely manner
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning accuracy and system utilization
- Collaborate with Production and Operations to resolve scheduling conflicts and capacity constraints
- Serve as the organization's senior authority on planning and scheduling, advising executive leadership on capacity strategy, planning risk, and process maturity
- Establish and document planning processes, standards, and best practices across the organization; mentor and develop other planning personnel
- Perform other duties as assigned
EducationBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
Required Experience & Competencies- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience as a Master Scheduler or in a similar senior planning/scheduling role within a manufacturing, supply chain, or operations environment
- Hands-on Infor CloudSuite Industrial/Syteline scheduling experience required; deep working knowledge of Syteline's planning, scheduling, and MRP functionality is essential to this role
- Strong understanding of demand forecasting, inventory management, master scheduling, and S&OP/SIOP processes
- Working knowledge of lead time management, safety stock calculation, and production scheduling principles
- Experience in medical device, biopharmaceutical, life sciences, or other FDA/ISO-regulated manufacturing environments preferred
- Strong ERP system aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes and production workflows
- Proficiency with Excel and data analysis
- Excellent attention to detail with strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Self-directed with strong ownership and accountability; comfortable setting direction and influencing decisions at the executive level without formal authority over other staff
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; a collaborative team member who builds effective working relationships across departments
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems
