Lead Production Planner

SAAB; Grayling (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition assistance

Wellness resources

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Saab is seeking an experienced Production Planner in the United States for the Grayling area. The role focuses on developing master production schedules using forecasts, inventory, orders, and capacity, while coordinating with procurement, warehouse, quality, and production teams to secure necessary resources. You will lead planning meetings and drive Lean improvements.

A 10+ year manufacturing background is required, with strong analytical and communication skills. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related discipline is required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in production planning within a manufacturing environment.
• 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.

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 materials and resources are available to meet 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 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.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related discipline

Job description

• 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.
• 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.

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.

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

Highlights include:

• 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 Affiantative 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.

Regardless of whether you value cutting edge technology, creativity or an innovative environment, everyone at Saab contributes to keeping people and society safe.