Master Planner

ZipRecruiter; Reading; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electronics manufacturer is seeking a highly skilled Master Planner to create and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS). You will lead the S&OP process, conduct capacity analysis, and mentor junior planners. The role requires strong analytical skills and proficiency in ERP systems. Join a dynamic environment where your strategic planning will drive operational success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a master planning or S&OP role within manufacturing.
• Experience leading the S&OP process.
• Ability to manage large datasets and make data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS).
• Lead the S&OP process including demand review and supply review.
• Conduct capacity analysis for key work centers.

Skills

ERP/MRP systems proficiency

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Microsoft Excel skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Overview

Solutions Driven is recruiting on behalf of our client, who is a leading electronics manufacturer, seeking a highly skilled and experienced Master Planner to join the Supply Chain and Operations team.

The Master Planner will be responsible for creating and maintaining the Master Production Schedule (MPS) to ensure the timely delivery of products to customers while optimizing inventory levels and resource utilization. This role is critical to balancing customer demand with production capacity and supply chain capabilities.

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

• Lead and facilitate the S&OP process, including demand review, supply review, and executive S&OP meetings.
• Collaborate with sales, program management, engineering, and finance teams to gather and analyse demand forecasts, ensuring a single, accurate demand signal.
• Analyze production capacity (internal & external), including labor, equipment, and facility constraints, and collaborate with production managers and third parties to develop strategies for demand requirements.
• Develop and present comprehensive S&OP reports and metrics to key stakeholders, highlighting risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
• Translate the S&OP plan into a detailed master production schedule (MPS) that supports business objectives.

Master Production Scheduling (MPS)

• Create, manage, and maintain a rolling 12-24 month MPS for assigned production lines and manufacturing cells.
• Utilise planning systems to model scenarios and optimise the production plan.
• Ensure the MPS is aligned with customer commitments, including firm orders and forecast data.
• Monitor production output against the MPS, identifying and resolving any variances or constraints.

Capacity & Resource Planning

• Conduct capacity analysis for key work centers and resources, identifying potential bottlenecks and proposing solutions.
• Work with production and manufacturing engineering to optimize resource allocation and improve efficiency.
• Develop and maintain long-range capacity plans to support strategic business growth.

Inventory Management

• Working with the Material Requirement Planner, develop and execute strategies to achieve target inventory levels while minimizing excess and obsolete material.
• Collaborate with procurement and material requirements planning to ensure timely material availability for the MPS.
• Analyse inventory trends and performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.

Performance and Continuous Improvement

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to planning, such as MPS adherence, forecast accuracy, and on-time delivery.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning processes, tools, and systems.
• Mentor and train junior planners or other team members on best practices in master scheduling and S&OP.

Education and Experience Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a master planning, production planning, or S&OP role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading and facilitating the S&OP process.
• Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage large datasets and make data-driven decisions.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros).
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high-pressure environment.

Nice to have

• Master's degree or APICS/CPIM certification.
• Experience in the Aerospace or high-tech electronics industry.
• Experience with advanced planning systems (APS) such as Kinaxis, JDA, or similar tools.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification.