Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Production Planner to join our manufacturing team in Watertown, CT. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules, coordinating material availability, and ensuring efficient workflow throughout the manufacturing process.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in production planning within a manufacturing environment, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments to meet customer delivery commitments and optimize production performance.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and sequence production schedules to support on-time customer delivery and optimize manufacturing efficiency.
• Release, manage, and prioritize work orders based on material availability and production requirements.
• Coordinate with Production, Purchasing, Engineering, and other departments to establish weekly production targets.
• Monitor capacity and demand to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions that improve production flow.
• Analyze production performance and establish recovery plans for late orders.
• Communicate production priorities, delays, and lead times to internal stakeholders.
• Monitor material availability and resolve planning issues that impact production schedules.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives within production planning and scheduling.
• Recommend and implement process improvements and planning tools to increase efficiency.
• Prepare reports and present production data to leadership.
• Maintain accurate planning data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Ensure compliance with company quality and safety standards.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of production planning experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prefer 10+ years of production planning experience.
• Strong knowledge of production scheduling, capacity planning, inventory control, and material requirements planning (MRP).
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other business software.
Preferred
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• APICS (ASCM) Certification (CPIM or CSCP).
• Experience with SQL, Power BI, or advanced Excel reporting and data analysis.
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives.

What You'll Bring
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable production plans.
• Confidence working with production, purchasing, engineering, and operations teams.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in driving manufacturing performance and customer satisfaction. You'll work with a collaborative team, leverage advanced planning tools, and help optimize production processes in a dynamic manufacturing environment.