Manufacturing Planner & Scheduler III

Manufacturing Planner III

The Manufacturing Planner III is responsible for planning and scheduling all aspects of production across multiple product lines. This role requires advanced data analysis to develop cost-effective, executable production schedules that align with operational capabilities and business objectives.

This individual will play a key role in new product introductions and transfers, collaborating cross-functionally to meet revenue targets and customer expectations. The position drives continuous improvement initiatives focused on key performance metrics such as OTIF (On-Time In-Full), backorders, schedule attainment, and utilization.

Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and manage production schedules to maximize efficiency and minimize delays
• Coordinate workflows across multiple product lines
• Determine required manpower, equipment, and materials to meet demand
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed
• Address production issues proactively to minimize disruption
• Align shift schedules with production requirements

Inventory & Materials Management

• Maintain safety stock levels and manage raw material availability
• Identify and communicate risks related to inventory levels and shortages
• Partner with purchasing to mitigate material shortages
• Recalculate planning parameters (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock) based on demand trends
• Manage replenishment for safety stock programs

MRP & System Management

• Maintain accurate MRP master data (lead times, lot sizing, safety stock, etc.)
• Implement updates including BOMs, routings, and product structures
• Support PR1 system maintenance to ensure accurate planning signals
• Generate and analyze reports including backlog, lead-time analysis, and production status

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support planning for new product launches, transfers, and product changes
• Coordinate material and production readiness for new programs
• Ensure seamless integration into manufacturing workflows

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Demand Planning, Customer Service, R&D, PMO, QA/QC, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Logistics
• Participate in SIOP meetings and present inventory risks
• Interface with production leadership to prioritize output and meet customer demands

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track KPIs including on-time delivery, schedule attainment, utilization, and backorders
• Prepare and present performance reports (PMD)
• Monitor production output, defect rates, and order fulfillment

Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support Lean / PPI initiatives to enhance material flow and planning efficiency
• Analyze root causes of stockouts and implement corrective actions (RCCM)
• Establish and improve standard work and best practices

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain planning documentation (orders, reports, schedules, metrics)
• Ensure compliance with ISO, FDA, and GMP standards
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Data Analytics, or related field; equivalent experience considered
• 3+ years of production planning and scheduling experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS certification (CPIM preferred)
• Experience in medical device or regulated manufacturing environments
• Six Sigma certification

Non-Negotiable Requirements

• Strong project management capabilities
• Advanced SAP experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Solid understanding of production planning and quality principles
• Strong mathematical, statistical, and analytical abilities
• Experience using continuous improvement tools (e.g., RCCM)

Work Environment

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment
• Frequent communication and movement across production areas (PPE required)
• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Stafford, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Stafford,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.