Production Planner

AP Professionals is collaborating with a local manufacturer in search of a Production Planner. The Production Planner is pivotal in synchronizing production timelines and securing timely acquisition of materials for manufacturing medical devices. This role demands adept organizational and analytical abilities, alongside effective collaboration with diverse departments to streamline production workflows and uphold inventory standards.

• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality assurance teams to develop and uphold production schedules, ensuring resource efficiency and timely product delivery.
• Liaise with suppliers to procure raw materials, components, and supplies in line with quality standards and delivery timelines, fostering adherence to production requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and material usage to anticipate shortages or surpluses. Employ strategies to optimize inventory, minimizing costs and production interruptions.
• Assess supplier performance, negotiate contracts, and cultivate partnerships for dependable and economical material supply. Resolve quality, pricing, or delivery issues promptly.
• Analyze historical data and market trends to predict material and product demand, facilitating proactive planning and procurement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to enhance production efficiency, reduce lead times, and cut costs. Implement continuous improvement initiatives and industry best practices.
• Maintain precise records of production schedules, material orders, and inventory levels. Generate insightful reports to evaluate production performance and supply chain effectiveness.
• Lead departmental operations, establish goals for direct reports, and provide training to ensure team proficiency and effectiveness.

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, operations management, business administration, or a related field is required.

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in production planning, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within the medical device or pharmaceutical sector.
• Proficient in inventory management software and ERP systems such as SAP or NetSuite.

• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, adept at data interpretation and making informed decisions.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of fostering effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks and oversee multiple projects simultaneously within a dynamic work environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, up to <10% of the time.