Production Planning Manager

Paragon Laboratories, Inc.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Paragon Laboratories seeks a dynamic Planning Manager with strong leadership skills to oversee production planning, scheduling, and inventory management in a fast-paced setting. The right candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and proven experience managing planning teams to enhance operational performance.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with matching

Opportunities for professional development

Positive, inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience as Planning Manager in a GMP environment.
• Proven cross-functional communication skills.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of production schedules.
• Oversee materials management and ensure timely delivery.
• Drive process improvements for operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or operations management

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Full-Time
Salary: Starting at $120,000 +

Planning Manager – Join a Leading Nutraceutical Manufacturer! Paragon Laboratories is seeking a strategic and dynamic Planning Manager to lead our planning department and drive the efficient execution of our production pipeline. Based in Torrance, CA, this is a high-impact role for an experienced leader who thrives in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment. If you combine strong planning expertise with exceptional leadership skills and are ready to make a difference at a global scale, we want to hear from you! Join a growing, innovative team at the forefront of dietary supplement manufacturing for over 50 years.

Position Summary
As the Planning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in spearheading the planning and execution of production schedules that will propel us to new heights. You will lead a team of planning professionals and will be responsible for all aspects of scheduling, planning and inventory activities that impact on timely delivery of orders to customers. The primary responsibilities include Production Planning, Processing Line Scheduling, Capacity Planning, Inventory Management in support of OTD, Material Requirement Planning (MRP), Team Management, Budget and Cost Control, Demand Forecasting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Production Planning & Execution:

• Develop and execute comprehensive work order execution plans to ensure timely and cost-effective manufacturing aligned with company objectives and customer requirements.
• Oversee planning workflows, production schedules, and materials management activities; follow up with Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, and Packaging to ensure on-time delivery.

Order Expediting & Customer Interface:

• Take ownership of expedited and high-priority orders, including direct interaction with customers to understand their priorities and timelines.
• Present visible, actionable updates in daily production meetings, and proactively recommend and coordinate contingency plans to resolve constraints or delays—such as escalating stalled quality control items for prioritization, suggesting schedule resequencing to work around bottlenecks, or flagging material shortages early to prompt procurement alternatives.

Reporting & Visibility:

• Create and maintain clear reports and dashboards for upper management, providing real-time visibility into the status of open and expedited orders.
• Analyze data and provide strategic insights to support executive decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with Sales, Purchasing, Production, Quality, and Customer Service to ensure seamless communication, accurate resource allocation, and timely issue resolution.
• Identify potential roadblocks and implement innovative, budget-conscious solutions to keep projects on track.

Process Improvement:

• Continuously evaluate and refine planning processes to increase efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability in a fast-paced, make-to-order environment.
• Drive improvements that support long-term growth, operational resilience, and customer satisfaction.

Team Leadership & Culture Building:

• Lead, mentor, and empower a team of planners, setting performance expectations and fostering professional development.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive team environment that encourages accountability, communication, and results.
• Provide coaching, counseling, and talent development to build a strong, engaged planning team.
• Champion a culture of “can-do” problem solving and strategic execution across the department.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or Operations Management.
• Proven record of at least 3-5 years as a Planning Manager in strategic planning, scheduling, inventory management, and project management in a GMP environment.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, inspiring trust, and motivating teams to achieve greatness.
• Proven cross-functional communication skills and managed well-directed teams.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn data into actionable strategies.
• Visionary thinking with a firsthand approach to problem-solving.
• Understanding of SOPs, 2-3 years of experience leading a team of planners.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel (Pivot Tables, graphs, and VLOOKUPS).
• Experience working with MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong written and verbal business communication abilities with all levels of management.

Benefits Include:
We value our employees and recognize that their dedication is our greatest asset. As part of the Paragon Laboratories team, you will enjoy:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• A positive and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration and creativity.