Production Planner II

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for coordinating and executing production planning and inventory control activities to support efficient manufacturing operations in a controlled environment. Develops, maintains, and monitors production schedules, material requirements, and inventory availability to help ensure approved materials, documentation, and resources are available to support on-time production starts.

Works independently on assigned planning activities within established procedures and systems, identifying and resolving routine scheduling, material availability, and inventory discrepancies. Collaborates with Master Scheduling, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to support production priorities, improve material flow, and maintain inventory accuracy.

Exercises judgment in addressing operational issues and escalates complex matters as appropriate. This position is on-site (not remote or hybrid).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, maintain, and update assigned production schedules in coordination with the Master Scheduler and cross-functional stakeholders using ERP/MRP systems. Coordinate material requirements, documentation readiness, production priorities, and resource availability to support timely execution of manufacturing schedules.

Monitor production progress, inventory levels, work in process (WIP), and material movements to identify potential shortages, delays, and scheduling conflicts. Independently investigate and resolve routine production planning, material availability, and inventory discrepancies, escalating more complex issues as necessary.

Perform inventory reconciliation activities, including cycle counts, physical inventories, transaction reviews, and data validation to maintain accurate ERP/MRP records. Analyze production and inventory data to identify trends, potential disruptions, and opportunities to improve scheduling effectiveness and material flow.

Coordinate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Warehouse, and Supply Chain teams to address material constraints, production priorities, and scheduling adjustments. Support the assessment and coordination of production resource requirements, including labor, tools, equipment, and materials, to meet established production schedules.

Maintain accurate planning data, material setups, inventory locations, and related master data within ERP/MRP systems in accordance with established procedures. Monitor assigned production orders and material readiness, communicating schedule changes, shortages, and potential impacts to appropriate stakeholders. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on production scheduling, inventory accuracy, process efficiency, and material flow.

Support the development and maintenance of planning procedures, reports, and performance metrics to promote consistency and operational effectiveness. Provide guidance and knowledge-sharing to less experienced team members regarding established planning processes and systems, as needed. Ensure planning and inventory control activities are performed in accordance with applicable company procedures, quality requirements, and established controls.

Adhere to all company SHE policies and procedures, actively participate in hazard identification and environmental risk reduction, and report all incidents, nonconformities, and potential hazards to management to support a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace. May perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Typically, 2–4 years of relevant experience in production planning, manufacturing scheduling, materials management, or supply chain operations, with demonstrated hands-on responsibility for detailed production scheduling.

Demonstrated direct experience developing, maintaining, and managing detailed production schedules in a make-to-order manufacturing environment. Strong experience in pharmaceutical/Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing or similarly complex batch manufacturing environments, including production campaigns, equipment constraints, changeovers, material lead times, quality/release considerations, and changing customer requirements.

Strong experience with Oracle ERP/MRP systems, including demonstrated ability to utilize ERP as the primary production planning and scheduling system. Strong understanding of material requirements planning (MRP), production orders, routings, bills of materials/formulas, lead times, inventory, capacity requirements, planned orders, and planning parameters.

Demonstrated experience with capacity planning, constraint management, scenario analysis, and production schedule recovery. Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience preferred. COMPETENCIES/SKILLS Working knowledge of production planning, materials management, inventory control, and manufacturing processes. Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, including production order management, inventory transactions, and material requirements planning.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, data analysis, and reporting. Ability to independently manage assigned planning activities and prioritize competing operational requirements. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve routine scheduling and inventory discrepancies.

Understanding material flow, WIP management, inventory accuracy, and production scheduling principles. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate production and inventory records. Ability to interpret production requirements, identify potential constraints, and recommend practical solutions. Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Ability to follow and apply established processes, procedures, and documentation requirements within a regulated manufacturing environment. Ability to exercise independent judgment within defined guidelines and recognize when escalation is appropriate.

Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational efficiency CERTIFICATION/LICENSES APICS/ASCM Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS This role may involve work in laboratory or manufacturing environments with potential exposure to chemicals or other regulated substances.

As a condition of employment, incumbents may be required to participate in employer-provided medical surveillance programs in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and company policy.