Production Planning Specialist

Job Description
The Production Planning Specialist is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of production planning, ensuring the efficient and timely execution of manufacturing processes. This role involves analyzing demand forecasts, developing production schedules, optimizing resources, and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve production goals. The Production Planning Specialist plays a crucial role in maintaining an optimal balance between customer demand, inventory levels, and production capacity.


Duties:

• Prepare, maintain, and continuously update Bills of Materials (BOMs), planning parameters, and related master data to ensure accuracy, alignment with production requirements, and effective ERP integration.
• Perform Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and develop, maintain, and optimize the Master Production Schedule (MPS) by analyzing demand forecasts, defining safety stock levels, and considering production capacity, equipment availability, and material constraints.
• Utilize, maintain, and continuously improve ERP and production planning systems to enhance planning accuracy, data integrity, and overall operational efficiency.
• Manage and optimize inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to balance customer demand, production capacity, inventory turnover, and cost efficiency while minimizing waste, obsolescence, and expiry risks.
• Monitor material shelf life and track, analyze, and reduce raw material waste by identifying root causes and implementing corrective and continuous improvement actions.
• Schedule, coordinate, and oversee the supply, delivery, and distribution of raw materials and finished products to support uninterrupted production and timely customer fulfillment.
• Analyze production performance data, including output, cycle times, schedule adherence, material usage, and efficiency metrics; prepare, present, and monitor KPI reports; and propose and implement data-driven continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain effective cross-functional communication and collaboration with production, procurement, sales, logistics, and other stakeholders to support operational and business objectives.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering and Supply Chain Management. Relevant certifications or professional qualifications are a plus.
• Proven experience in production planning or related roles within a manufacturing or production environment.
• In-depth knowledge of production planning principles, techniques, and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in using production planning software (MSP, Minitab, Lingo), ERP systems, and advanced MS Excel skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.