Production Planning Manager

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc; City of Dunkirk (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Dunkirk, NY, is seeking a Production Planning Manager to enhance profitability through strategic production planning and inventory management. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in a production planning role, preferably within the metals industry. Responsibilities include optimizing planning processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leading the production planning team to improve operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in production planning in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and strategic thinking abilities.
• Ability to manage cross-departmental relationships effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans for production.
• Oversee inventory management to align with production schedules.
• Work on business process improvements to enhance customer service.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in Excel

VBA programming skills

Strong analytical skills

Continuous improvement mindset

Knowledge of materials planning

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Industrial Engineering degree

Tools

Excel

VBA

SharePoint

Power Automate

Job description

Production Planning Manager - Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc

Base pay range

$70,000.00/yr - $90,000.00/yr

Job Title: Dunkirk Production Planning Manager

Department: Supply Chain

Reports to: Vice President of Supply Chain

Job Summary: The Dunkirk Production Planning Manager plays a crucial role in driving profitability and reducing inventory by strategically managing melt schedules, material applications, various operational constraints, and optimizing production lead times. Tasked with guiding the planning team, this role applies a Theory of Constraints approach to streamline operations and improve throughput. With a focus on continuous improvement, the manager will pursue operational excellence, leveraging insights and feedback to foster innovation and enhance processes. A commitment to enhancing customer service is vital, with a focus on reducing late orders and providing transparent order status updates. Success in this role translates to heightened customer satisfaction and a strong contribution to the company’s profit maximization objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Production Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans and schedules for the Dunkirk plant, manage production lead times, manage cycle time review process, and managing inventory levels to ensure alignment with company goals for maximizing profits while reducing inventory.
• Inventory Management Optimization: Oversee inventory levels to ensure they are aligned with production schedules and customer demand, minimizing excess while meeting strategic targets. Take part in the melt planning in conjunction with the Bridgeville and North Jackson teams.
• Business Process Improvement: Work closely with Corporate Supply Chain Systems & Inventory Planner to continuously analyze and improve planning processes and systems to enhance customer service, inventory planning, and free up team’s time for higher valued activities including programming new VBA excel tools or SharePoint automations.
• Continuous improvement: Work closely with operations, technical, and IT departments to collaborate on various improvement projects that help improve yields, reduce inventory, increase production, and reduce costs.
• Hands-On Tactical Support: Directly engage in tactical planning tasks as needed, including material application, providing customer order status reports, and scheduling various units, ensuring operational demands are met effectively.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other plants production planners and the sales, operations, and technical departments to ensure alignment between production capabilities and market demands.
• Customer Service Enhancement: Lead efforts to reduce late orders and enhance order transparency, aiming to boost customer satisfaction.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the Dunkirk production planning team, promoting a culture of accountability, excellence, and alignment with company’s strategic objectives.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and capacity planning tools. VBA programming skills preferred.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset, with a drive to constantly seek out ways to enhance processes, efficiency, and performance through automation.
• Proficient in SharePoint and Power Automate preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of materials planning, product allocation, master scheduling, production control, and manufacturing processes, with a deep understanding of the Theory of Constraints to optimize workflow and maximize operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage both internal team and cross-departmental relationships.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in production planning within a manufacturing environment, metals industry preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office‑based, with the requirement to spend time on the shop floor to support various ongoing initiatives.
• The position may require occasional travel to company plants and supplier locations.
• While the position operates within regular office hours, it requires infrequent but essential availability outside these times to manage any operational emergencies, ensuring the smooth continuation of production activities.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Management and Manufacturing

Industries: Mining