Production Planning & Materials Manager

Production Planning & Materials Manager

$100,000-$120,000/year  |  Full-Time, Onsite  |  Savannah, GA

Scope:
Leads Savannah Tank’s production planning, material readiness, and manufacturing logistics functions. Responsible for maintaining a reliable production schedule, tracking execution against the plan, and ensuring that materials, components, consumables, and logistics are coordinated to support on-time completion and customer delivery commitments. Works across functional boundaries to identify constraints early and keep production moving.

Principal Duties:

• Own and maintain Savannah Tank’s master production schedule in consultation with the Operations Manager and shop floor supervisors. Ensure scheduled completion dates are realistic, current, and aligned with customer delivery commitments.
• Work with shop floor management to translate the weekly production schedule into clear daily work plans with measurable milestones. Track performance against those plans, identify delays or constraints, and coordinate recovery plans for jobs that fall behind schedule. Play a key role in improving On-Time Completion performance to 90% or better.
• Maintain production schedule boards, dashboards, and schedule-related KPIs that provide clear visibility of production priorities, job status, and schedule performance. Work with the Manager – Business Systems and Automation to improve scheduling and progress-tracking tools.
• Review upcoming production requirements against bills of material, purchase status, and materials on hand to identify shortages before they affect production. Coordinate with Purchasing and other personnel to resolve material-readiness issues.
• Maintain control and accurate location records for production materials and components from receipt through use or shipment. Ensure job-specific materials are properly identified, stored, staged, and kitted so they can be quickly located when needed.
• Manage receiving and tool room personnel. Ensure incoming materials are accurately counted, verified, and promptly received into JobBoss ERP system.  Maintain organized and well-controlled tool room and materials storage areas.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and reorder controls for critical shop consumables.  Proactively address potential shortages before production is affected. 
• Coordinate the flow of raw materials, subassemblies, and finished goods between Savannah Tank’s U.S. and India operations for major production programs. Maintain accurate shipment and material-status records and coordinate recurring inbound shipments, customs/broker requirements, unloading, handling, and storage.
• Arrange and coordinate transportation of finished goods to customers and communicate schedule, material, and logistics risks clearly and early so that corrective action can be taken and customer commitments can be managed appropriately.
• Other duties as assigned.  

Required Background, Skills and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or related discipline preferred; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in production planning, materials management, manufacturing operations, supply chain, or related functions, preferably in a high-mix, low-volume or project-based manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing production schedules, tracking performance against plan, identifying constraints, and improving schedule attainment and on-time completion.
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes and production documentation, with the ability to read and understand fabrication drawings and bills of material. Experience in metal fabrication or custom industrial equipment manufacturing preferred.
• Strong analytical and systems skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience using ERP/MRP systems to manage production, materials, and inventory.  
• Experience with material and inventory management, receiving, and logistics.  Prior experience with international freight, customs, and import documentation is a plus.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.  Ability to maintain disciplined follow-up, work effectively across departments, and elevate risks or problems when appropriate.

Characteristics:

• Intelligent
• High integrity
• Hard-working with high energy level
• Results-oriented
• Team builder and team player

Reports To: Operations Manager
Location: Savannah, GA