Production Planning Expert

Summary of job contents

The Production Planning Expert develops and executes short term and mid-term production plans that support customer demand, operational efficiency and inventory targets for the assigned Operations Unit. This role requires advanced planning skills, strong cross functional coordination and analytical capability. The position supports complex planning activities and contributes to improvements in material flow, system performance and scheduling stability.

The role offers a clear advancement path through exposure to planning strategy, escalation management and collaboration with the Master Planning Leader, preparing qualified individuals for future leadership opportunities within Supply Chain Planning.

 

Key accountabilities

Production planning and execution

• Develop, detail and control production plans for finished and semi-finished products to meet market demand and capacity requirements
• Execute customer and manufacturing orders at the week and day planning level with accuracy and responsiveness
• Monitor production output and lead actions to address deviations with Value Stream Leaders, Production Team Leaders and the Master Planning Leader
• Analyze planning data and adjust planning parameters to improve schedule adherence and material flow
• Support people capacity planning activities in cooperation with Operations Unit leadership

Material and inventory management

• Maintain accuracy and completeness of master data related to production planning and procurement in SAP
• Support inventory management efforts to balance high product availability with cost control
• Assist with material control concepts including replenishment methods, parameter setting and optimization

Cross functional coordination

• Communicate with Sales, Order Management, Distribution Network and Supply Planners regarding order status, bottleneck situations and delivery changes
• Participate in daily start up meetings and weekly operations reviews across Purchasing, Quality, Production and Engineering
• Support escalation processes by assessing issues, coordinating responses and engaging Operations Unit Leaders and the Master Planning Leader as needed

Continuous improvement and systems support

• Lead and participate in improvement initiatives related to planning accuracy, scheduling stability and material flow
• Contribute to system enhancement initiatives and act as first level support for tools, reports and planning applications
• Support corporate excellence and continuous improvement programs

Leadership exposure and development

• Collaborate closely with the Master Planning Leader on planning execution and strategic tasks
• Provide coaching support to production schedulers on planning concepts and system use when directed
• Substitute for the Master Planning Leader in defined operational tasks as needed
• Participate in cross functional projects that influence broader supply chain performance and future planning capability

 

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Three or more years of experience in production planning, scheduling or materials management in a manufacturing environment
• Strong ERP experience in materials and planning modules, preferably SAP
• Advanced knowledge of production planning methods, manufacturing processes and lean principles
• Experience with quality concepts, material flow, inventory control and process optimization
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret planning data to drive operational decisions
• Proven ability to work cross functionally across operations, quality, procurement and engineering

Benefits:

Festo Corporation offers a robust benefits package, which is designed to help employees and their dependents stay healthy, feel secure and maintain a work/life balance. This is just one way we strive to provide employees with a rewarding workplace. As