Job Description
Position Summary
The Scheduling/Planning Manager is responsible for overseeing production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and coordination of resources to ensure customer requirements are met while maximizing operational efficiency. This position develops and manages production schedules, balances capacity and demand, monitors inventory levels, and works closely with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Customer Service to support business objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and manage production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements and operational goals.
- Lead the Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP/S&OP) process to align demand, supply, capacity, and inventory requirements.
- Monitor production capacity and identify constraints that could impact schedules or customer commitments.
- Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure materials are available to support production schedules.
- Analyze demand forecasts and production requirements to optimize labor, equipment, and inventory utilization.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality to resolve scheduling conflicts and production issues.
- Review inventory levels and implement strategies to maintain appropriate stock while minimizing excess inventory.
- Monitor schedule adherence and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
- Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) related to on-time delivery, schedule attainment, inventory turns and forecast accuracy.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve planning processes and operational efficiency.
- Utilize ERP/MRP systems to generate schedules, analyze data, and support decision-making.
- Provide regular updates and report to leadership regarding capacity, inventory, production performance, and customer delivery risks.
- Support new product introductions and engineering changes by incorporating requirements into production plans.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain and operational risks that may impact customer deliveries.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervises Production Planners, Master Schedulers, Material Planners, or other planning personnel.
- Provides coaching, training, performance management, and employee development.
- Establishes departmental goals and ensures alignment with business objectives.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
- APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or similar certification preferred.
Experience
- Five to eight years of production planning, scheduling, manufacturing, or supply chain experience.
- Three or more years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience in a manufacturing environment required.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing planning and scheduling processes.
- Understanding of capacity planning, inventory control, forecasting, and supply chain management.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret production data and develop actionable plans.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
