Senior Production and Workshop Planning Specialist

Job Description

Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. Backed by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere, with projected annual revenues of $1B - $2B.

This is an exciting time to join us as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels—we’re building a dedicated team of passionate individuals eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus, Ohio area!

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Senior Production and Workshop Planning Specialist to join our team at a leading solar panel manufacturing facility. This role focuses on managing and executing production plans, balancing production schedules between workshops and production lines, and ensuring seamless coordination of materials and workflow. The ideal candidate will excel in both planning and operational execution, enabling the plant to achieve efficiency and on-time delivery of high-quality solar panels.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning Management:

• Work with the Planning Manager on the Master Production Schedule (MPS), develop and organize monthly and weekly production plans for the factory, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Review and confirm order delivery schedules and specific requirements, ensuring feasibility and accuracy.
• Balance and coordinate production schedules to optimize resources and meet delivery deadlines.

Production Plan Execution:

• Create and manage work orders based on production schedule and review and balance incoming work orders.
• Issue and distribute production task orders to relevant departments.
• Coordinate production materials and monitor their availability to ensure on-time production.
• Monitor work order progress and closely oversee the final stages of production to ensure successful order completion.
• Participate in and facilitate production planning meetings, including organizing discussions, preparing agendas, and distributing meeting minutes.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with supply chain and inventory teams to manage material requirements and avoid disruptions in production.
• Analyze production capacity and identify bottlenecks, proposing solutions to maintain workflow efficiency.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production performance like WIPs, work order closures, and reworks.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in production management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in production planning and workshop coordination, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency in production planning software and tools (e.g., ERP systems).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across teams and departments.
• Experience in solar panel manufacturing or renewable energy is a plus.

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law. 

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.