Job Description

The Production Planning Manager oversees and coordinates all aspects of production planning within a dynamic pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring the seamless alignment of raw materials, components, packaging materials, and finished goods with demand forecasts, sales targets, and regulatory compliance requirements.

The Production Planning Manager collaborates cross-functionally with Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, Marketing, and Regulatory teams to ensure efficient production flow, optimal inventory management, and the timely delivery of products to meet customer and business needs.

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain short-term and long-term production schedules aligned with demand forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
  
• Monitor schedule adherence and adjust production plans as necessary to address changes in demand, supply, or operational constraints.
  

Material Planning

• Coordinate planning and availability of raw materials, APIs, excipients, components, and packaging materials to support production schedules.
  
• Work closely with Procurement and suppliers to mitigate material shortages and ensure continuity of supply.
  

Product Planning & Forecasting

• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing teams to gather and analyze demand forecasts.
  
• Translate forecasts into actionable production and inventory plans to support service level and revenue targets.
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Sales/Marketing to ensure planning activities support business objectives and regulatory compliance.
  
• Facilitate communication across departments to resolve planning or supply chain challenges.
  

Inventory Optimization

• Monitor and manage inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
  
• Implement strategies to optimize inventory levels, minimize waste, and maintain service level targets.
  

Capacity & Resource Planning

• Evaluate manufacturing capacity and labor requirements to support production plans.
  
• Identify capacity constraints and recommend process improvements or resource adjustments.
  

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Track and analyze key performance indicators such as production schedule adherence, forecast accuracy, and inventory turnover.
  
• Prepare regular reports and planning insights for senior management.
  

Systems Management

• Maintain accurate master data including Bills of Materials (BOMs), lead times, and production routing information.
  

Requirements

Job Specifications and Qualifications:

Knowledge:

-Proficiency in planning tools and ERP systems.

-Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

-Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

-The ability to manage a multitude of resources and to be organized, accurate, and current with data and information.

Education/Experience:

-Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Pharmacy, or a related field preferred.

-5+ years of experience in production or supply chain planning, preferably in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.

-Strong knowledge of GMP and regulatory requirements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Licensing and Certification:

-Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies preferred.

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Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

-May involve standing or walking for extended periods.

-Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.

-Comfortable wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, gowns, masks and goggles.

-Salary range: Based on experience.

-Hours of Work: 8-hr shift work or as needed based on production demand.