Lead Production Planner

saabusa; Grayling (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Generous paid time off and holidays

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition assistance

Wellness resources and EAP

Employee stock purchase plan

Disability coverage

Job summary

Saab, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Production Planner to develop and maintain master production schedules aligned with forecast demand, inventory levels, customer orders, and capacity.

You will coordinate with procurement, warehouse, quality, and production teams to ensure resources meet targets and drive efficiency. Lead planning meetings, identify bottlenecks, and implement continuous improvement initiatives while mentoring junior planners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in production planning within manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and maintain master production schedules based on forecasts, inventory, orders, and capacity.
• Collaborate with procurement, warehouse, quality, and production teams to ensure materials and resources meet targets.
• Analyze demand forecasts and historical data to adjust production plans.
• Monitor inventory to optimize flow and reduce excess stock.
• Lead planning meetings to communicate schedules and resolve constraints.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with supply chain to manage changes in demand and prioritize orders.
• Ensure plans comply with quality, safety, and policies.
• Generate reports and KPIs on schedule adherence and efficiency.
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes.
• Mentor and train junior planners.
• Lead process improvements in planning.

Skills

ERP/MRP systems

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related discipline

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and maintain master production schedules based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, customer orders, and manufacturing capacity.
• Collaborate with procurement, warehouse, quality, and production teams to ensure that necessary materials and resources are available to meet production targets.
• Analyze demand forecasts and historical data to proactively adjust production plans.
• Monitor work-in-progress and finished goods inventory to optimize flow and reduce excess inventory.
• Lead daily and weekly planning meetings to communicate schedules, resolve constraints, and address production issues.
• Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, recommend solutions, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with the supply chain team to manage changes in customer demand and prioritize orders accordingly.
• Ensure that production plans comply with quality standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
• Generate and maintain accurate reports and KPIs regarding schedule adherence, production efficiency, and inventory status.
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes through effective planning and communication.
• Mentor and train junior planners.
• Lead process improvements in the planning function and develop new processes.

Compensation Range

Commensurate with experience

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business or related discipline is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in production planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems, Oracle preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• High level of attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Defense & Aerospace experience a plus.

Citizenship Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
• Wellness and employee assistance resources
• Employee stock purchase opportunities
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

About Us

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person's needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.