Planning Manager

The Production Planning Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing production plans to meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization and minimizing costs. They will develop strategies and related plans for continuously improving inventory levels and optimizing planning sequencing for improved production efficiency of direct and indirect labor.

Work closely with:

• Manufacturing operations departments supporting schedule adherence and implementation of Lean strategies
• Customer service department to continuously improve customers commitments
• Purchasing department to ensure delivery of components while being cognizant of supplier capabilities.

Train, assist and motivate production planning and programming employees, evaluate performance, maintain morale, and enforce company policy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee order intake, scheduling, and flow of sales orders for 2 separate lighting brands.
• Review assembly, fabrication / assembly, paint and fabrication operation schedules, analyze requirements and determine capacity to meet department needs. Direct planners to level load production departments.
• Evaluate production schedules (assembly, fab/assembly, fabrication and paint) to effectively utilize equipment and personnel. Develop metrics for evaluation of schedule adherence.
• Develops and directs material handlers. Optimizes material layout and movement in plant and “ensures” ongoing availability of parts needed for assembly and high reliability of ERP system and components availability accuracies.
• Adjust established schedules as necessary to maintain a steady flow of production.
• Work closely with manufacturing managers, supervisors, buyers, and sales departments to communicate and resolve schedule problems, request special material needs and relay schedule change information.
• Maintain and recommend levels of finished goods, raw material and component inventory to meet customer requirements. Minimizes but checks inventory status reports for errors and is responsible for necessary adjustments.
• Supervise entry of miscellaneous inventory transactions. Check for errors, correct and train, as necessary. Recommend the disposition of excess materials in storage.
• Supervise and evaluate response and resolution of stopped or delayed manufacturing jobs. Monitor the scheduling of various plant operations including, but not limited to delayed, rework and new manufacturing orders.
• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing and purchasing departments for alternate sources of supply to ensure that production flow will be maintained at all times.
• Prepare various reports, as necessary, such as delayed customer shipments, monthly delivery performance (by planner). Other reports: load report (plastic saw area, framing jig, assembly), RGA analysis (cost to rework or scrap), track orders over 3 days past due and other such reports as requested.
• Recommends enhancements to Epicor (ERP) to enhance production flow. Create and document procedures for Materials Management operations. Eliminate non-value-added tasks in department and other areas where recognized. Works closely with IT to prioritize most impactful reporting and system changes. Quantifies system and report change requests.
• Assist in the process of lead time reduction for all products sold by Kenall.
• Evaluate and respond to Sales on customer order expedites. Evaluate implementation and offer suggestions for alternatives in a timely manner.
• Resolve and adjust problems requiring assistance relating to defective material, return goods, long lead-time components (customer orders and purchase parts), bill of material level reduction.
• Maintain planned finished goods, ROP/ROQ, lot size and long lead-time component data. Evaluate to ensure proper quantities are planned and updated in a timely manner.
• Participate in company programs and committee groups established to improve quality, reduce costs and satisfy customer requirements.
• Recommend items related to continuous improvement, evaluation and recommendations for departmental improvements for workflow, procedures and computer enhancements. Reduce or eliminate non-value-added tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement clear and detailed production plans across all departments
• Monitor and analyze Production data in order to fine tune capacity constraints
• Track and manage inventory levels and utilize materials to reduce inventory costs
• Active participation in ongoing individual training / development program.
• Set goals and objectives with Manager; look for ways to improve quality and productivity.
• Performs appraisals and creates develop plans where appropriate among departmental employees.
• Key, active participant on the operations leadership team (*Materials Management, Purchasing/Sourcing, Plant/Production Management, Manufacturing Engineering).
• Maintain good housekeeping conditions in work area.
• Report abnormalities in equipment, machines, programs and processes.
• Perform backup functions to other team members and Manager as instructed. Engage in cross-training to support back-up efforts as directed. Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 10 years minimum Materials Management experience within sizable company/organization and 10 years planning experience; excellent planning skills.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills as required to discuss training, general direction and other position-related tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to display strong customer service skills.
• Must be professional in appearance and attitude and possess the ability to work in a professional manner with customers, vendors, and employees at all levels.
• Computer literate including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerBI, etc.
• Experience working with ERP systems (Epicor Experience preferred)
• High level of self-initiative and dependability. Must be very trustworthy.
• Must be flexible to perform overtime duties or adjust schedule when required.
• Must be flexible and willing to pitch in as needed.
• Resourceful and highly organized with an attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage, prioritize and balance multiple tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Must possess positive, "can do" attitude.

EDUCATION:

• BS/BA degree in related discipline.
• MBA or M/S in mathematics highly preferred.
• APICS Certification
• Lean / Six Sigma Certification preferred

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Personal Computer
• Epicor ERP system
• Printer / Photocopier
• Telephone

This job is performed under direct supervision and within the guidelines of authorized company policies, programs, procedures, budgets, laws and business ethics.

This job description is to be used as a guide for accomplishing company and departmental objectives; and only covers the primary functions and responsibilities of the position. It is in no way to be construed as an all-encompassing list of duties.