Production Planning Manager

Sr. Production PlannerG&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defense industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.We are seeking a Sr. Production Planner to partner closely with Operations to build and maintain a realistic, executable production plan that supports customer delivery, improves throughput, and stabilizes day-to-day operations for a high mix/low volume product environment with MOQ assessments and policy setting.This role is responsible for translating demand into actionable production schedules, aligning with manufacturing capacity and material availability, and ensuring clear visibility to priorities across the shop floor. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where planning discipline is being strengthened and built.Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Planning & Scheduling: Develop, implement, and maintain detailed production schedules using ERP systems (e.g., SAP PP/MM) to optimize resource utilization and meet customer delivery requirementsCapacity & Material Planning: Perform rough cut capacity planning, master production scheduling, and material requirements planning; ensure alignment between demand and supplyInventory & WIP Management: Monitor work-in-progress, backlogs, and master data accuracy; adjust plans for demand changes or supply disruptionsCross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with procurement, engineering, quality assurance, logistics, and supply chain teams to resolve bottlenecks and align planning with operational realitiesPerformance Monitoring: Track and report on KPIs such as planning adherence, work center utilization, lead times, and schedule attainmentProcess Improvement: Lead initiatives to improve planning efficiency, reduce waste, and implement best practices; mentor junior plannersIssue Resolution: Address production issues, backorder challenges, and unplanned events; coordinate with senior management for escalated mattersPerformance MeasuresSchedule Adherence / Plan AttainmentOn-Time Delivery (OTD)Work Order Cycle Time / ThroughputBacklog Management & Prioritization AccuracyWIP Levels and Flow EfficiencyProduction Downtime Related to Planning GapsInventory TurnsQualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field5-8+ years in production planning, with at least 3 years in a senior or managerial roleExperience in high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing preferred (optics, aerospace, medical, or similar).Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).Strong understanding of production processes, capacity constraints, and material flow.Skills & CompetenciesProficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and advanced ExcelStrong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilitiesExcellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional leadershipKnowledge of lean manufacturing, capacity planning, and quality control principlesPersonal AttributesHands-on and action-oriented; willing to engage directly with the business.Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment.Strong sense of ownership and accountability.Collaborative, with the ability to build trust across teams.Calm under pressure and able to manage competing priorities.This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.To comply with the U.S. Export Control Laws, G&H must assess whether candidates are "U.S. persons" as defined under the EAR (15 C.F.R. Part 772) and the ITAR (22 C.F.R. § 120.15). Certain questions asked during the application process are intended to assess this and will be used for compliance purposes only.