Production Planner

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain production & delivery schedules based on customer demand, sales forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
• Monitor finished goods inventory to support quick-turn customer demand while maintaining targeted inventory levels and minimizing excess stock.
• Cook up closely with Manufacturing, Customer Service, Purchasing, and Warehouse & Logistics to ensure production readiness and on-time order fulfillment.
• Analyze customer demand trends and sales forecasts to prioritize production orders and respond to changing business requirements.
• Identify material shortages, capacity constraints, and supply risks; develop recovery plans to minimize customer impact.
• Track production performance against schedule and communicate risks or delays to stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate planning parameters, lead times, safety stock levels, and other required master data within the ERP system.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and weekly operations/planning meetings.
• Drive continuous improvements in planning accuracy, inventory turns, schedule adherence, and on-time delivery.
• Develop reports and dashboards to monitor key performance metrics.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in Production Planning, Inventory Management, Forecast Interpretation, and Data Analysis in fast-paced technology markets.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics 365 required.
• Strong understanding of MRP planning concepts, production scheduling, and inventory control methodologies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of experience in production planning, supply planning, or inventory management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in fiber optic, networking, telecommunications, electronics, or contract manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to analyze data and make sound planning decisions under changing business conditions.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, resolve planning issues, and make data-driven decisions.
• Highly motivated, professional, and results oriented.
• Ability to work effectively in a multinational, multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (with advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency).