The Senior Production Planner is responsible for developing, coordinating, and optimizing production schedules to ensure efficient manufacturing operations, on-time customer delivery, and effective utilization of resources. This role works cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service teams to balance demand, inventory, capacity, and material availability while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
This position is based in North Tonawanda, NY.
In addition to annual initiatives, the key responsibilities are as follows:
Key Accountabilities:
- Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, sales forecasts, inventory targets, and production capacity.
- Analyze demand requirements and translate them into detailed production plans and schedules.
- Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
- Coordinate with manufacturing to optimize labor, equipment, and facility utilization.
- Lead capacity planning activities and identify potential bottlenecks or resource constraints.
- Track key planning metrics including schedule attainment, inventory levels, and capacity utilization.
- Conduct root cause analysis for production disruptions and implement corrective actions.
- Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes by providing production and capacity insights.
- Drive inventory optimization initiatives while maintaining service level targets.
- Maintain accurate planning data within ERP/MRP systems.
- Develop and implement process improvements to increase planning efficiency and operational performance.
- Mentor and support junior planners and planning team members.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and quality requirements.
What We're Looking For
To thrive in this role, you should bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field
- 5-10 years' experience in planning or similar buyer/planner position
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or equivalent experience
- Strong ability to navigate Microsoft-based programs, and web-based software
- Intermediate level skill with Microsoft Excel: pivot tables, filtering, formulas, conditional formatting, slicers, etc.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English
- Creative problem-solving skills, simplifying solutions, and performing root cause analyses.
- Ability to professionally manage conflicts with internal and external stakeholders and provide clear, well thought out recommendations
- Operate with a sense of urgency and consistently deliver results.
- Strong leadership abilities with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
- Self-directed with a commitment to achieving objectives.
- Transparent and authentic communication style in all interactions.
Benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance on the first day of employment
- 401k match up to 5%
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Annual safety shoe and safety glasses reimbursement
