Specialist, Plant Downstream Planning Leader

About the role

Schneider Electric has a great opportunity for a Plant Downstream Planning Leader in The Lincoln, NE location. The Downstream Planning Leader is responsible for leading production planning, scheduling, and inventory management activities to ensure efficient manufacturing operations, on-time customer delivery, and optimal inventory performance. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, this role partners closely with Manufacturing, Upstream Planning, Engineering, Logistics, Customer Service, and Operations teams to align production capacity, material availability, and demand forecasts with business objectives while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage short-term and long-term production plans to meet customer demand and business objectives.
• Create and maintain Master Production Schedules (MPS), balancing production capacity, labor availability, and customer requirements.
• Ensure material availability and inventory optimization, including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Materials teams to support production continuity and minimize inventory risks.
• Analyze capacity constraints, identify bottlenecks, and develop plans to improve manufacturing throughput and efficiency.
• Support workforce, tooling, and capacity planning to meet current and future business needs.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Logistics, Demand Planning, and Sales teams to coordinate production priorities and support SIOP processes.
• Communicate production risks, constraints, and recovery plans to key stakeholders.
• Monitor and report key operational KPIs, including schedule attainment, on-time delivery, inventory performance, capacity utilization, customer service levels, and manufacturing lead times.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Lead, coach, and develop production planning and scheduling teams while supporting organizational growth and performance goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.
• 3-10 years of experience in Production Planning, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, Materials Management, or Demand Planning.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment with responsibility for production scheduling, inventory planning, and capacity management.
• Hands-on experience with SAP or other ERP systems supporting planning and manufacturing operations.
• Lear Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of: Master Production Scheduling (MPS), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Master Production Planning (MPP), Inventory Management, Capacity Planning, Demand Forecasting.

Key Competencies

• Expertise in production planning, scheduling, inventory management, capacity planning, and demand forecasting within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in SAP/ERP systems, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills, coupled with proven leadership, team development, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• Experienced in driving operational excellence through effective project management, change management, and process improvement initiatives.

Pay and Benefits

The expected pay range for this full-time position is USD 101,600 - USD 152,400 per year. This pay range includes base pay and short-term incentives. The compensation range for this U.S. based position applies to candidates located within the United States. Our pay ranges are determined by reviewing roles of similar responsibility and level. Within the pay range, individual pay is determined by several factors including performance, knowledge, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

At Schneider, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Care for Yourself and Your Family: Medical (with member reward points), dental, vision, and basic life insurance, Benefit Bucks, flexible work arrangements, paid family leaves, well-being programs, 12 holidays per year, and 15 days of paid time off per year.
• Invest and Plan Your Future: Competitive pay and programs including base salary, incentives, company share ownership, and 401(k) with match.
• Grow Your Skills and Career: Performance discussions, global opportunities, the Schneider Career Hub, and learning platforms like Coursera.
• Team Up in the Workplace: Collaboration, recognition, sharing your voice, and an inclusive workplace.
• Support Your Community: Volunteer leave, programs with the Schneider Electric Foundation, youth education initiatives, and military leave benefits.

For more information about our Total Rewards package, please visit our website.