Position SummaryThe Planning Manager is responsible for overseeing Fireye's production planning, forecasting, inventory management, and scheduling processes to ensure efficient manufacturing operations and timely delivery of customer orders. This position leads the Planning team in developing and executing production plans that align customer demand, material availability, inventory requirements, and manufacturing capacity.
The Planning Manager works collaboratively with Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Engineering, Finance, and other departments to optimize production schedules, improve inventory performance, and support overall business objectives. This role is also responsible for maintaining accurate planning data within Fireye's ERP system (IFS), developing team capabilities, and driving continuous improvement throughout the planning process.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPlanning and Production Management
- Oversee the development and execution of production schedules that support customer demand, inventory objectives, and manufacturing capacity.
- Manage demand forecasting and production planning activities to ensure alignment with business requirements.
- Monitor production schedules, customer orders, and material availability to identify potential delays and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with Operations and Purchasing to resolve material shortages, production constraints, and scheduling conflicts.
- Support the Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) process by providing accurate planning forecasts and capacity assessments.
- Establish and maintain effective planning procedures to improve operational efficiency and on-time delivery.
Inventory and Materials Planning
- Develop and maintain inventory planning strategies that balance customer service requirements with inventory investment.
- Oversee finished-goods inventory levels, replenishment planning, safety stock, and inventory optimization initiatives.
- Partner with Purchasing and Operations to ensure material availability supports production requirements.
- Monitor inventory performance and identify opportunities to reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory.
- Coordinate planning activities related to new product introductions, engineering changes, and product discontinuations.
ERP Systems and Process Improvement
- Serve as the primary planning subject-matter expert for Fireye's IFS ERP system.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of planning data, including lead times, inventory parameters, production schedules, and material requirements.
- Utilize ERP reporting and planning tools to monitor performance, identify trends, and support operational decisions.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance forecasting accuracy, scheduling effectiveness, and inventory management.
- Establish consistent planning practices and promote effective system utilization across the Planning team.
Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead, coach, and develop the Planning team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards.
- Assign and prioritize work to ensure planning activities are completed accurately and efficiently.
- Foster collaboration among Operations, Purchasing, Sales, Engineering, Finance, and Customer Service to support production and delivery objectives.
- Communicate planning priorities, material constraints, and production risks to appropriate stakeholders.
- Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to planning accuracy, inventory performance, production schedule adherence, and on-time delivery.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, accountability, and proactive problem-solving.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field required.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in production planning, materials management, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
- Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory, management, or demonstrated team leadership experience preferred.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment, preferably involving industrial products, electronics, or engineered components.
- Demonstrated experience with ERP/MRP systems; experience with IFS strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of production scheduling, inventory management, demand forecasting, and capacity planning.
- Experience with Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) processes preferred.
