Planning Manager

Planning ManagerThe Planning Manager is responsible for developing, maintaining, and executing the Production Schedule (PS) while leading demand forecasting activities across the business. This position ensures customer demand, production capacity, material availability, and operational priorities are synchronized to maximize on-time delivery, inventory performance, and manufacturing efficiency.Operating in a low-volume, high-mix aerospace aftermarket environment, this role must balance changing customer priorities, engineering changes, repair requirements, and variable demand while coordinating production across thermoforming, CNC machining, finishing, and assembly operations.The position serves as the central planning function between Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and Production.Primary responsibilities will be focus around production scheduling, demand forecasting, capacity planning, production coordination, inventory and material planning support, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement to include the following:Develop and maintain the Production Schedule (PS) for all manufacturing operations.Create realistic production schedules based on: customer demand, capacity constraints, material availability, labor availability, equipment utilization, and lead timesSequence work orders to optimize workflow through the respective departmentsBalance production scheduling priorities while minimizing schedule disruptions.Monitor schedule adherence and adjust priorities as business conditions change.Coordinate recovery plans for production delays or supply disruptions.Manage finite capacity planning where applicable.Develop rolling demand forecasts using: historical sales, customer forecasts, market trends, and program requirementsCollaborate with Sales and Customer Service to improve forecast accuracy.Maintain 3-, 6-, and 12-month production outlooks.Identify demand variability and recommend inventory or capacity adjustments.Analyze forecast accuracy and continuously improve forecasting methods.Evaluate manufacturing capacity across: Thermoforming, CNC, Finishing, AssemblyIdentify production bottlenecks before they impact delivery.Recommend overtime, staffing, outsourcing, when needed.Support long-range capacity planning initiatives.Coordinate daily and weekly with teams' production priorities.Lead scheduling meetings with Production Operations.Communicate schedule changes to all departments.Ensure Engineering Changes (ECOs) are incorporated into production schedules.Prioritize critical customer orders while minimizing overall disruption.Work closely with Purchasing and Inventory Control to ensure materials support production schedules.Support cycle count and inventory accuracy initiatives.Improve scheduling processes using Lean Manufacturing principles.Standardize planning procedures.Participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement events.Support ERP optimization and planning system enhancements.Track and report key performance indicators including: On-Time Delivery (OTD), Schedule Attainment, Forecast Accuracy, Capacity Utilization, Work Order Aging, Past Due Orders, Manufacturing Lead Time, Customer Request Response TimeOther tasks as assigned.Education & Experience:4-year degree in Engineering, Operations Management or any related field or equivalent experience10+ years of progressive manufacturing experienceExperience in a management roleExperience in MRP (manufacturing resource planning)Experience in Aerospace industry preferredCompetencies:Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English languageAbility to communicate clearly by conveying and receiving ideas, information and direction effectivelyAbility to demonstrate adequate job knowledge to deliver a world class performanceAbility to challenge oneself to consistently meet all goals and deadlinesWillingness to strive for excellence by producing work that is free of errors and mistakesDesire to delight both customers and coworkers by offering encouragement, fostering teamwork and addressing conflict appropriatelyCommitment to making improvements company wideDemonstrated competence using Microsoft OfficeDemonstrated ability to successfully present thoughts, ideas and information to large groups of peopleAbility to maintain a professional and respectful relationship with coworkers and company in a leadership capacityAbility to manage cross-functional teams, coordinate supplier/customer meetingsStrong customer communication skillsProblem solving; Ability to overcome obstaclesTechnical writing abilityAbility to influence for impactAs an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran or disability status.This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card Holder), Political Asylee or Refugee.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.