Director, Work Preparation and Planning

Rittal LLC; Urbana (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-average benefits from first month

401(k) Match

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Rittal LLC is seeking a Director of Work Preparation and Planning in Urbana, Ohio, responsible for establishing logistics and purchasing strategies. The role focuses on operational excellence, inspiring a strong safety culture and driving continuous improvement across production processes.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management and extensive experience in logistics and lean methods. The position offers substantial benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• Expertise in logistics, production planning, and lean manufacturing.
• Deep SAP knowledge required.

Responsibilities

• Establish internal logistics and tactical purchasing strategies.
• Advise leadership on production systems and work preparation.
• Oversee inventory and capacity management.

Skills

Expertise in SIOP

Supply chain management

Lean methods

Strong analytical skills

Leadership and communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Equivalent experience in industrial engineering

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Director, Work Preparation and Planning

Brief Summary: The Director of Work Preparation and Planning is responsible for establishing internal logistics, tactical purchasing, planning, industrial engineering, and Lean strategies. This role provides leadership and guidance on all aspects of work preparation, planning, and the Rittal Production System, ensuring operational excellence and continuous improvement across supply chain and production processes.

Why Work at Rittal

• Above‑average benefits available on the 1st of the month after you start
• 401(k) Match
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications
• Collaborative, innovative work environment

Key Responsibilities

• Establish internal logistics, tactical purchasing, planning, industrial engineering, and Lean strategies
• Advise company leadership on work preparation, planning, and production systems
• Provide performance management leadership to drive employee engagement
• Inspire and maintain a strong safety culture and safe working environment
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Plan, implement, and control supply chain operations from origin to consumption
• Build sustainable logistics networks aligned with local and HQ strategic goals
• Oversee inventory management, capacity management, and new product introduction processes
• Optimize network and warehouse operations for best‑in‑class performance
• Drive internal logistics optimization projects to improve inventory accuracy and parts supply
• Ensure continuous material supply and proper inventory levels
• Oversee production planning processes and teams
• Optimize production capacity using SAP functionality for steady production flow
• Support improvements in lot sizes and SIOP processes
• Enhance data collection, analysis, and communication for better decision‑making
• Provide prototype support and ensure accurate BOM and routings for specials
• Perform MTM studies and maintain SAP updates for routing changes
• Determine routings for cost analysis on new products and special projects
• Identify and implement production cost improvement opportunities
• Support operations with detailed cost analysis for productivity gains
• Develop Lean Management roadmap and deploy Rittal Production System model
• Drive Lean activities including Shop Floor Management, Kaizen events, and Lean culture
• Provide guidance for 6S and Continuous Improvement programs

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Equivalent experience in supply chain, industrial engineering, and lean management leadership

Experience & Skills:

• Expertise in SIOP, supply chain management, order management, manufacturing, Lean, and logistics
• Experience in sheet metal fabrication, coating, and manual assembly of electrical cabinets
• Proven success in logistics, production planning, lean manufacturing, and tactical purchasing
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methods (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Deep SAP knowledge required
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office tools
• Ability to work in a matrix environment
• Travel up to 10%

Preferred Certifications:

• APICS, ASCM, Six Sigma Black Belt

Rittal LLC and Eplan are proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. EEO, including Disability/Vets.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may contact the company’s Human Resources Department at (937) 399‑0500.