Manufacturing Planner / Scheduler

About the role

As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics. Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Create and release production orders and partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Master Data, Customer Service and Logistics in the execution of the scheduled orders.
• Act as key contact responsible for the accurate reporting of product status and availability timeline.
• Assume full ownership of products from the beginning of order release until products are in stock.
• Communicate significant current and potential supply performance problems (capacity imbalance, noncompliant material, material shortage, supplier delays, etc.) to the Supply Chain network and operations.
• Balance capacity of work center with material availability, location, and expiry.
• Maximize the use of material to minimize excess inventory and scrap by monitoring the impact of material, expiration dating, production yields, and sales forecast changes.
• Provide data for key performance metrics (root causes of order issues, excess and expired inventory, schedule compliance, projected inventory at risk/stock loss, etc.).
• Perform supply chain functions such as production planning, buying, inventory control, outsourcing, and others as necessary to support the site.
• Responsible for managing and analyzing data to improve the overall planning and production process.
• Ensure work is properly maintained in SAP and representative of the supply plan.
• Support other members of the team (buyer, inventory, shipping/receiving) as necessary.
• Engage in cross-functional activity with operations, procurement, customer service, and regional supply chain.
• Create reports to help support process improvement, analytics, and general performance related directly or indirectly to supply chain and/or operations.
• Lead and/or participate in key projects and drive continuous improvements.

Requirements

• Required: Associate degree in supply chain, business, or related field. Degree may be negotiable with certification and direct job experience in SAP Master Data, Production Planner, Warehouse Lead, or other Operations/Supply Chain roles.
• Demonstrated experience working in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, JDE, etc.).
• 3–5 years of manufacturing and/or planning/scheduling experience.
• Working understanding of standard manufacturing rates, OEE, and capacity analysis.
• Proficiency in the use of computer software, specifically MS Office programs (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Solid analytical, planning, interpersonal, oral/written, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly cross-functional team environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision or guidance, but also as an engaged team member.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Operations, or related field.
• Preferred: 3+ years of SAP Master Data experience.
• Preferred: 3+ years of direct experience in Operations BOM/Routes & Supply Chain (Buyer, Production Planner, Inventory Planner).
• Preferred: Direct SAP ECC or S/4 HANA experience.
• Preferred: CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Preferred: Knowledge of GMP and ISO requirements.
• Preferred: Exposure to Lean and/or Six Sigma.