Production Planner

The Production Planner is the primary owner of and is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules and finished goods inventory plans that balance customer demand, manufacturing capacity, and inventory objectives. This role is critical to ensuring the on-time delivery of high-quality fiber optic products supporting the fast-growing hyperscale and AI data center market. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Manufacturing, Product Management, Customer Service, Warehouse, and Logistics, the Production Planner coordinates production priorities and inventory strategies to meet customer requirements while optimizing operational efficiency. The ideal candidate has experience in manufacturing planning, inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration within a fast-paced technology manufacturing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain production & delivery schedules based on customer demand, sales forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
• Monitor finished goods inventory to support quick-turn customer demand while maintaining targeted inventory levels and minimizing excess stock.
• Coordinate closely with Manufacturing, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Warehouse & Logistics to ensure production readiness and on-time order fulfillment.
• Analyze customer demand trends and sales forecasts to prioritize production orders and respond to changing business requirements.
• Identify material shortages, capacity constraints, and supply risks; develop recovery plans to minimize customer impact.
• Track production performance against schedule and communicate risks or delays to stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate planning parameters, lead times, safety stock levels, and other required master data within the ERP system.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and weekly operations/planning meetings.
• Drive continuous improvements in planning accuracy, inventory turns, schedule adherence, and on-time delivery.
• Develop reports and dashboards to monitor key performance metrics.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Knowledge & Capabilities

• Experience in Production Planning, Inventory Management, Forecast Interpretation, and Data Analysis in fast-paced technology markets.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics 365 required
• Experience balancing customer demand, inventory levels, and production capacity in a dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP planning concepts, production scheduling, and inventory control methodologies.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5+ years of experience in production planning, supply planning, or inventory management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in fiber optic, networking, telecommunications, electronics, or contract manufacturing environments is a plus.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to analyze data and make sound planning decisions under changing business conditions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, resolve planning issues, and make data-driven decisions.
• Highly motivated, professional, and results oriented.
• Ability to work effectively in a multinational, multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (with advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency).

TRAVEL:

• Minimal travel (less than 5%) may be required to support manufacturing partners or company meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made.

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands and arms.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Working at Go!Foton's Somerset, NJ headquarters office is required