Supply Chain & Planning Manager

Supply Chain & Planning Manager

Founded in 1990, Utility Solutions is a designer and manufacturer of hot-line tools and products for the electrical power industry. Our success is based on working as a team to deliver high-quality products and unsurpassed customer service. We believe that each team member contributes directly to our growth and success as a company. Come grow with us!

We are seeking a Supply Chain & Planning Manager to join our team in Hickory, NC! This role is responsible for ensuring production schedules are prepared ahead of time, materials are available when needed, inventory levels are effectively managed, and communication flows efficiently across departments. The ideal candidate is analytical, process-driven, and able to balance customer demand, production capacity, material availability, and supplier performance. This position will work closely with Operations, Production, Engineering, Sales, and Factory Team Leads to improve operational flow and support continued company growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Planning/Scheduling and Purchasing support functions for the organization
• Develop daily and weekly production schedules
• Coordinate schedule changes with operations and production leadership
• Track and monitor current inventory levels and material availability
• Analyze demand planning data, inventory reports, forecasts, and operational trends
• Maintain sufficient inventory levels to support production demands while minimizing excess inventory and overstock conditions
• Anticipate factors that may impact demand, including seasonal slowdowns, customer demand fluctuations, promotions, and operational changes
• Recommend improvements to inventory management, replenishment strategies, and planning processes
• Oversee purchasing activities, supplier performance, supplier relationships, and buyer priorities
• Monitor supplier lead times, delivery performance, and material shortages
• Escalate and assist purchasing in resolving shortages, late deliveries, and critical supply issues
• Ensure purchased materials align with production schedules and operational requirements
• Maintain accurate ERP/MRP planning data, lead times, and inventory parameters
• Improve ERP transaction accuracy and planning discipline
• Create and maintain KPI reporting related to supply chain and planning performance
• Collaborate with operations, production, shipping, engineering, and other supply chain team members to support company objectives
• Participate in operational meetings and communicate risks, shortages, and scheduling concerns proactively
• Assist with creating standardized planning, purchasing, and inventory management processes
• Lead team development, accountability, and cross-functional communication efforts

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership experience and team management in a manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to anticipate operational risks and proactively develop solutions
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities
• Strong understanding of production planning, purchasing, inventory control, and supply chain processes
• Systems-oriented mindset with attention to detail and process improvement
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization

Education/Experience Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in supply chain, production planning, scheduling, purchasing, inventory management, or related manufacturing functions
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience required
• Experience with Microsoft Excel & ERP/MRP systems required
• Experience managing inventory levels, material planning, and supplier coordination
• Strong understanding of inventory control and demand planning concepts
• Experience in low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments preferred
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout a manufacturing facility for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, dust, and varying temperatures.

This position will be full-time, in-office Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm. Salary range: $90,000-110,000 annually.