Planning Manager

Merck & Co.; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Fujifilm Electronic Materials, U.S.A. in North Kingstown, RI is seeking a Manufacturing Planning Manager to own production planning and scheduling in a fast-paced, on-site environment.

You will collaborate with operations, supply chain, maintenance, and quality teams to drive execution under real-time constraints. The role emphasizes batch manufacturing planning, strong ERP/MRP skills, and leadership of the Planning department, with a focus on optimizing inventory, capacity, and S&OP processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, including 5+ years of management experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of ERP systems, MRP, and inventory management.
• Strong production planning experience in a manufacturing setting, batch/process planning preferred.
• Strong ability to work independently, prioritize activities, and manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel & PowerPoint, for data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of short‑ and long‑term production plans to ensure materials are available according to schedules.
• Prepare and review a detailed monthly Master Schedule to meet customer requirements with minimal testing.
• Optimize SAP/MRP parameters to support current planning strategies.
• Drive inventory control objectives to minimize inventory levels across all categories.
• Develop partnerships with internal and external customers to foster continuous improvement of Global Planning.
• Collaborate with Account Managers, Product Managers, and Customer Service Representatives to review forecasts and usage details.
• Lead Operations in planning for current and future capacity requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities.
• Manage and direct the Planning department, including setting objectives and performance management.

Skills

ERP knowledge

MRP

Inventory management

Production planning

Forecasting

Capacity planning

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP experience

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Position Overview

We have an exciting opportunity at our North Kingstown, RI facility for a Manufacturing Planning Manager! This role is designed for a planning leader who wants to be fully embedded in manufacturing operations, not managing schedules from a distance. As Planning Manager, you will own production planning and scheduling in a complex, fast‑moving environment, working closely with operations, supply chain, maintenance, and quality teams to drive execution and respond to real‑time constraints. This is a 100% on‑site role by design, offering direct operational influence, visibility, and accountability. For candidates who value hands‑on leadership and real impact, this role provides meaningful ownership and challenge.

Note: Our manufacturing environment includes multi‑step batch processes with raw‑material variability and sequencing constraints. Batch manufacturing planning experience is strongly preferred; however, we welcome applicants with strong production planning skills gained in other complex manufacturing environments.

Company Overview

FUJIFILM Electronic Materials, U.S.A. fuels innovation in the semiconductor industry—where chemistry meets technology. Our advanced materials and formulations enable manufacturers to build the microchips that power Artificial Intelligence, computers, electric vehicles, smartphones, and more.

We’re a global business‑to‑business supplier of chemical formulations and advanced materials used for manufacturing and packaging semiconductors. Our chemical formulations allow top manufacturers to produce microchips that both power and connect our digital world. Think you’ve got what it takes to build a more connected world? Then connect with us today and challenge the boundaries of what’s possible—for the world and your future.

We have six U.S. manufacturing and Research & Development facilities, located in: Mesa, Arizona; Castroville, California; Hollister, California; Carrollton, Texas; and North Kingstown, Rhode Island—each offering unique local experiences, from vibrant cultural scenes to historic charm.

Fujifilm is globally headquartered in Tokyo with over 70,000 employees across four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging. We are guided and united by our Group Purpose of "giving our world more smiles."

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of short‑ and long‑term production plans to ensure materials are available according to established schedules.
• Prepare and review a detailed monthly Master Schedule to meet customer requirements while minimizing crossovers and testing whenever possible.
• Optimize SAP/MRP parameters to support current planning strategies effectively.
• Drive inventory control objectives by creating and managing material and production plans to minimize inventory levels. Analyze monthly, quarterly, and year‑end inventory changes and implement necessary actions to meet targets across all inventory categories.
• Develop strong partnerships with internal and external customers to foster continuous improvement activities, enhancing the Global Planning process across all regions.
• Collaborate with Account Managers, Product Managers, and Customer Service Representatives to review forecasts and usage details, taking necessary actions to balance production plans.
• Lead Operations in planning for current and future capacity requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities.
• Manage and direct the Planning department, including setting objectives, professional development, and performance management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• 8‑10 years of experience in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, including 5+ years of management experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of ERP systems, MRP, and inventory management.
• Strong production planning experience within a manufacturing setting. Experience with batch or process manufacturing planning is strongly preferred due to the sequencing, yield, and raw‑material variability associated with our operations. Candidates with robust planning experience in other complex manufacturing environments are also encouraged to apply. Candidates with planning backgrounds from retail/distribution‑only environments may not find this role aligns with their experience.
• Strong ability to work independently, prioritize key activities, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel & PowerPoint, for data analysis and reporting/presenting.
• Experience in demand forecasting and capacity planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS certification
• SAP experience
• Strong project management skills and experience with continuous improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing principles and practices

Additional Requirements

• Resilience – Ability to adapt to workplace challenges, maintain professionalism, and manage responsibilities effectively.
• Communication – Capacity to clearly and professionally exchange ideas, interact respectfully with colleagues and customers, and foster positive workplace relationships.
• Reasoning & Decision Making – Ability to analyze information, follow verbal and written instructions, and make logical, sound decisions.
• Comprehension – Capability to understand and complete tasks as assigned and solve problems effectively.
• Organizational Skills – Competence in managing multiple priorities, maintaining accuracy, and staying focused despite potential workplace distractions.

EEO Information

Fujifilm is committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.

ADA Information

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department ([e-mail]).