POSITION SUMMARYThe Manager, Planning & Logistics is responsible for leading the strategic and operational execution of production planning, logistics, inventory management, material flow, and supply chain coordination to support manufacturing objectives. This role develops and executes integrated planning strategies that optimize capacity, inventory investment, production schedules, and customer delivery commitments while ensuring alignment with business objectives.
The Manager provides leadership to Planning, Logistics, Tooling, and Material Management teams, driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, workforce development, and cross-functional collaboration across Production, Supply Chain, Engineering, Programs, Quality, and Finance. The role is accountable for ensuring the efficient flow of materials from supplier receipt through final product delivery while meeting safety, quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
JOB RESPONSIBLITIESStrategic Leadership- Develop and execute short-, medium-, and long-range planning and logistics strategies that support company growth objectives, customer commitments, and operational performance targets.
- Lead Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning activities to align demand, capacity, inventory, staffing, and production requirements.
- Establish departmental goals, KPIs, and performance metrics while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Identify operational risks and implement mitigation plans to minimize disruptions to production schedules and customer deliveries.
Planning & Production Control- Direct and oversee all production planning and production control functions to ensure efficient utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and facility capacity.
- Ensure production schedules are developed, maintained, and executed to support manufacturing commitments and delivery expectations.
- Lead recovery planning efforts for schedule deviations, material shortages, and capacity constraints.
- Monitor key performance indicators including schedule adherence, inventory accuracy, material availability, on-time delivery, and production throughput.
Logistics & Material Management- Lead all logistics operations, including receiving, warehousing, inventory control, material handling, shipping, transportation, and distribution activities.
- Ensure efficient material flow throughout the operation, supporting production requirements while minimizing inventory waste and delays.
- Oversee logistics partnerships, freight management activities, transportation providers, and third-party logistics services.
- Ensure compliance with applicable import/export regulations, hazardous material handling requirements, and transportation standards.
Supply Chain Coordination- Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Program teams to ensure material availability and effective inventory management.
- Lead escalation management and resolution efforts associated with material shortages, supplier performance challenges, and schedule impacts.
- Drive inventory optimization initiatives to balance service levels, working capital, and production requirements.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence- Champion Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives throughout planning and logistics functions.
- Utilize data analytics and performance reporting to identify improvement opportunities and drive measurable business results.
- Lead process standardization, workflow improvements, and system optimization efforts across planning and logistics operations.
People Leadership- Provide leadership, coaching, and development to supervisors and individual contributors within the Planning & Logistics organization.
- Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, continuous improvement, and respect in the workplace.
- Manage workforce planning, staffing requirements, training programs, and resource allocation to meet operational objectives.
Compliance & Safety- Ensure compliance with company policies, labor regulations, safety standards, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
- Promote a safe and healthy working environment and maintain accountability for safety performance within the organization.
- Ensure all inventory management, material handling, logistics, and tooling activities comply with regulatory and company requirements.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESEducation:- Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical or aerospace)
- Master's Degree Preferred
Experience:- Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in production planning, logistics, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing supervisors, managers, and cross-functional teams.
- Aerospace manufacturing experience highly desired.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, logistics, warehousing, inventory control, and supply chain management.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to utilize operational metrics for decision-making.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and advanced planning tools.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Ability to lead organizational change and drive business transformation initiatives.
- Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and operational cost controls.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and business intelligence/reporting tools.
Working Conditions / Environment/ Special Requirements- Ability to work in a safe professional manner adhering to all regulatory requirements including, OSHA, EPA, State and Federal regulations.
GENERAL COMMITMENT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES- Commitment to company values and complies with department norms, policies, directives, and procedures.
- Incorporates Lean and P3E processes and concepts into daily activities.
- Strive for continuous improvement to processes and procedures.
- Honors and protects confidential and proprietary documents and information.
- Satisfies work schedule requirements.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee. Performs other duties as assigned.
