Senior Production Planner

Primary Function of Position

This position is seeking a creative and flexible individual to help lead the Planning activities for the Instrument or Systems Manufacturing lines. Responsible for the overall status of order fulfillment and managing inventory levels throughout the manufacturing process.

The Sr Production Planner will be assigned critical Operations NPI or Sustaining projects to manage. Expected to seek out and recommend process improvements assist in developing team members skill sets in the planning take on leadership responsibilities for strategic planning activities that enable the department capabilities to scale to the growing business needs.

The candidate will work with multiple cross-functional teams Manufacturing Supply chain Quality Engineering and other teams to achieve both tactical and strategic goals assigned. This by fully understanding production demand and supply needs balancing operational goals while incorporating Lean Manufacturing principals and identify and coordinate issue resolution and continuous improvement opportunities with other departments. This position requires strong presentation and clear communication abilities. 

Essential Job Duties

Manage assigned NPI/Sustaining projects at both strategic and tactical level. Evaluate current process and recommend continuous improvement to evolve process.

Provides mentorship through tactical training to team members to improve their skill sets in NPI/ Sustaining planning. Lead efforts to create and/or updating work instructions (WI) & Departmental Operating Procedures (DOP).

Lead and support department or organizational projects. Gain project team consensus track/ monitor scope scope changes project plan time lines against phase review objectives variances and contingencies that surface during implementation of projects. Escalate where necessary to management.

Engage Manufacturing teams in the continuous improvement process to ensure assigned projects are identified prioritized and implemented in a timely and effective manner.

Identify potential supply risks and inventory exposures by aligning supply chain processes with production plan milestones/targets. Illuminate impact to supply continuity for Finished Goods Inventory (FGI).

Applying knowledge of concepts and principles of planning to develop solutions to a variety of problems particularly with supply constraints.

Perform capacity analysis in to support what-if scenarios forecast changes and plan for production growth.

Maintain department metrics; analyze trends and results. Drive appropriate corrective actions where needed.

Provide direction to various NPI programs/projects as subject matter expert to support product transitions to sustaining manufacturing lines.

Collaborate with Purchasing and Engineering to review proposed changes and establish Engineering Change Order (ECO) affectivity. Execute ECO implementation requirements.

Support production activities and ensure maximum line up-time

Determine and manage potential line shortages by analyzing build schedules shortage reports on hand inventory reports and supplier delivery information

Develop communication relationship with Production Engineering Purchasing Shipping and Customer Service to manage supply and demand

Resolve work order variances and determine/track root cause. Work with Cost Accounting for month end close

Monitor and adjust planning parameters in SAP

Qualifications :

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 2 years experience in SAP.(Mandatory)

• Advanced MS Office skills understanding of vlookup Pivot tables macro recordings data tables charting data sorting segregation and formula auditing.

• Presents ideas effectively in formal and informal situations. Conveys thoughts clearly and concisely.

• Ability to respond to detailed inquiries and present information to groups and senior management.

• Advanced SAP/ERP experience troubleshoot IT issues that surface with little to no assistance from business applications. Lead department customization transaction Tcode enhancements for business needs.

• Ability to communicate in a succinct and organized manner appropriate for context time and place. (English/Spanish)

• Expert knowledge of business disciplines production planning and supply chain management.

• Ability to perform with greater independence and judgment receiving general supervision from senior management.

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the organization.

• Exposure to low volume high complexity capital equipment or high volume low complexity products.

• Highly analytical: critical-thinker; strong analytical aptitude and attention to detail; due to the speed and rate of change occurring in this manufacturing environment must be able to problem solve and think independently.

• Flexible: adaptable and able to work in a dynamic fast-paced environment.

• Motivated: enthusiastic; strives for excellence; continually seeks to improve self and company; ability and strong desire to grow with the company; leads by example.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects successfully.

Required Education and Training

Minimum 5 years of experience in a progressive manufacturing environment 4 year degree preferred in Business Management or Engineering .

Preferred Skills and Experience

• APICS certification a plus.

• Preferred experience in the Pharmaceutical or Medical Device industry (or similar regulated industry). Demonstrate the ability to operate in a regulated industry with working knowledge of ISO and regulatory restrictions.

Additional Information :

Due to the nature of our business and the role please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity national origin color age religion protected veteran or disability status genetic information or any other status protected under federal state or local applicable laws.

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 743.13(b)) some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the governments licensing process can take 3 to 6 months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (TCP) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employeesstart date which may or may not be flexible and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside or plan to reside in Alabama Arkansas Delaware Florida Indiana Iowa Louisiana Maryland Mississippi Missouri Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidates experience knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidates qualifications consistent with applicable law.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process please contact People Services at

We provide market-competitive compensation packages inclusive of base pay incentives benefits and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role as actual pay will be determined based on several factors including experience skills and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time