Master Planner Sr Specialist, I

Canadian Solar Inc.; Mesquite (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Solar Inc. in Texas seeks a Senior Specialist I, Master Planner to lead enterprise master production scheduling, inventory strategy, capacity planning, and materials control across multiple facilities.

The role partners with Sales, Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain to drive planning excellence, optimize inventory, and ensure on-time delivery. You will oversee S&OP, S&OE initiatives, and continuous improvement, translating forecasts into

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing planning, materials management, or operations planning experience.
• 3+ years in master planning or production planning leadership.
• Strong experience in high-volume manufacturing.
• Advanced ERP/MRP experience (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, MAPICS, MACPAC, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting S&OP and S&OE processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and maintenance of enterprise master production schedules (MPS) across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Translate demand forecasts, customer orders, inventory targets, and capacity constraints into executable production plans.
• Develop and maintain rolling production plans that optimize capacity utilization, labor efficiency, and inventory investment.
• Manage finite and rough-cut capacity planning processes to identify bottlenecks and mitigation plans.
• Ensure level-loaded production schedules that support customer commitments and operational stability.
• Facilitate monthly S&OP and weekly S&OE processes.
• Align demand, supply, inventory, and capacity plans with business objectives.
• Evaluate risks and opportunities related to forecast changes, capacity constraints, and material shortages.
• Provide scenario analysis and recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Supplier Management teams to improve material availability and supplier performance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Excel & reporting tools

S&OP / S&OE experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, industrial engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

MAPICS

MACPAC

Job description

Title: Senior Specialist I, Master Planner

The Senior Master Planner is responsible for leading enterprise-wide production planning, inventory strategy, capacity planning, and material control processes across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role serves as the central planning authority, translating customer demand forecasts into executable production and supply plans while balancing capacity, inventory investment, and customer service objectives.

Job Summary:

The Senior Master Planner partners closely with Sales, Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to drive planning excellence, optimize inventory performance, and ensure on-time customer delivery. The position plays a key leadership role in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE), and continuous improvement initiatives supporting business growth and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities include:

Production & Capacity Planning

• Lead development and maintenance of enterprise master production schedules (MPS) across multiple manufacturing sites.


• Translate demand forecasts, customer orders, inventory targets, and capacity constraints into executable production plans.


• Develop and maintain rolling production plans that optimize capacity utilization, labor efficiency, and inventory investment.


• Manage finite and rough-cut capacity planning processes to identify bottlenecks and mitigation plans.


• Ensure level-loaded production schedules that support customer commitments and operational stability.


• Facilitate monthly S&OP and weekly S&OE processes.


• Align demand, supply, inventory, and capacity plans with business objectives.


• Evaluate risks and opportunities related to forecast changes, capacity constraints, and material shortages.


• Provide scenario analysis and recommendations to support executive decision-making.

Inventory & Material Strategy

• Establish inventory planning policies, safety stock strategies, and replenishment methodologies.


• Drive inventory optimization initiatives while maintaining production continuity and customer service levels.


• Monitor inventory health, excess and obsolete inventory, inventory accuracy, and working capital performance.


• Lead PFEP (Plan for Every Part) strategy development, including part segmentation and replenishment parameters.


• Collaborate with Procurement and Supplier Management teams to improve material availability and supplier performance.

ERP/MRP Systems & Analytics

• Drive effective use of ERP/MRP planning systems to improve planning accuracy and execution.


• Analyze planning data and develop dashboards that provide visibility to demand, supply, inventory and delivery performance.


• Ensure planning master data integrity including lead times, planning parameters, BOMs, and inventory records.


• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, risks, and continuous improvement opportunities.


• All other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.


• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing planning, materials management, supply chain, or operations planning.


• 3+ years of progressive experience in Master Planning, Production Planning, or Supply Chain leadership roles.


• Strong experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.


• Advanced ERP/MRP experience (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, MAPICS, MACPAC, or equivalent).


• Demonstrated experience supporting S&OP and S&OE processes.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting tools experience.


• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD certification.