Production Planning Manager

The Production Planning Manager is a strategic leader responsible for owning master production scheduling control across multiple engineers to order (ETO) and make to order (MTO) value streams, including machining, welding, fabrication, assembly, and test. This role acts as the control tower, ensuring all work orders are fully ready to build-technically, materially, and operationally-before release to the shop floor. The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of advanced planning experience, strong manufacturing knowledge, analytical skill, and the leadership presence required to influence cross-functional teams. Production Control & Clear-to-Build Ownership Own the Clear-to-Build (CTB) process for all ETO/MTO orders, ensuring engineering releases, BOM accuracy, routings, special instructions, and material availability are complete prior to release. Enforce CTB readiness gates and prevent the release of incomplete or unready work orders. Maintain the daily plan-of-record, aligning machining, welding, assembly, and test activities with the Master Production Schedule. Lead CTB / production readiness meetings, identifying risks, assigning actions, and confirming build priorities. Hold Planning, Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations accountable for closing CTB gaps. Manage and lead a team of production planners and inventory analysts. Hold teams accountable for on-time performance of daily operations, while facilitating RCCA analysis Advanced Planning & Value Stream Coordination Partner with Planners to develop realistic, achievable schedules across variable routing environments, ultimately owning the master production schedule. Validate capacity and resource availability across machining centers, welding operations, skilled labor, tooling, and assembly cells. Collaborate with Engineering on drawing releases, deviations, rework paths, and changes impacting open orders. Monitor MRP exceptions, planning parameters, and demand changes to maintain production flow. Maintain a strong daily presence on the shop floor to track progress, validate readiness, and remove blockers. Partner with Supervisors and Leads to sequence work, resolve constraints, and ensure work orders advance through routing steps on time. Ensure accurate work order transactions (labor reporting, completions, backflushes, moves) to support data integrity. Coordinate Lead Time reduction reviews and action meetings Develop dashboards and reporting (Excel/Power BI) tracking CTB readiness, shortages, WIP levels, queue times, capacity constraints, and schedule adherence. Lead targeted CI activities (A3s, Kaizens, root cause analysis) focused on improving flow, reducing shortages, and eliminating recurring disruptors. Support PFEP improvements, kanban/supermarket development, and enhanced visual management across value streams. Inventory Optimization through PFEP Analysis Cross-Functional Influence & Team Leadership Act as the authoritative voice of production control, ensuring alignment across Planning, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations. Facilitate issue resolution related to materials, engineering changes, quality holds, or capacity. Communicate risks clearly and propose recovery plans with data-driven recommendations. Manage a team of four production planners and an inventory control analyst Strong understanding of ETO/MTO manufacturing workflows (machining, welding, fabricating, assembly). Advanced planning capability with the ability to manage complex, custom orders. High analytical skills: expert Excel required, Power BI preferred. Passion to improve complex/difficult processes Working knowledge of Lean principles and flow optimization. Strong prioritization, organization, and decision-making capability in a fast-paced environment. Minimum Qualifications 5+ years in advanced production planning, production control, or supply planning within manufacturing. Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field. Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems; SAP preferred. Practical exposure to Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement tools. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional meetings and drive results. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's Degree, preferably MBA, Master’s Degree in Supply Chain, or related field. Experience coordinating complex operations. Experience in fast-paced transformational environments Experience implementing PFEP, Kanban, or supermarket systems. Power BI or other analytics tool proficiency. APICS / ASCM, CSCMP, ISM, PMI, or Lean/Six Sigma certifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr