Materials and Production Planning Manager

Job Overview:

The Materials and Production Control Manager is responsible for managing materials planning, procurement, inventory control, and production scheduling to support efficient and cost-effective manufacturing operations. This role involves coordinating with internal departments, suppliers, and production teams to ensure the timely availability of materials and optimize production schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

Materials Planning and Procurement:

• Develop and implement materials planning strategies to ensure the availability of raw materials, components, and supplies to support production schedules.
• Coordinate with suppliers to procure materials, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost, and delivery targets are met.
• Monitor materials requirements and inventory levels to anticipate demand and prevent shortages or excess inventory.

Inventory Control and Management:

• Oversee inventory control processes, including cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, and obsolete inventory management, to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Develop and implement inventory management policies and procedures to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with inventory control standards.
• Analyze inventory data and trends to identify opportunities for inventory optimization and cost reduction.

Production Scheduling and Coordination:

• Develop and maintain production schedules to optimize resource utilization, minimize downtime, and meet customer demand.
• Coordinate with production teams to prioritize orders, allocate resources, and resolve scheduling conflicts to ensure on-time delivery of products.
• Monitor production performance and adjust schedules as needed to meet production targets and customer requirements.

Production Control and Efficiency:

• Implement production control measures to monitor and improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement in production operations.
• Collaborate with production teams to implement lean manufacturing principles and best practices to optimize production processes.

Supply Chain Optimization:

• Identify opportunities for supply chain optimization, including lead time reduction, inventory optimization, and supplier consolidation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement supply chain improvement initiatives and drive cost savings and efficiency gains.
• Monitor supplier performance and work with suppliers to address issues and improve performance.

Materials and Production Reporting:

• Prepare regular reports on materials and production performance, including inventory
• levels, production schedules, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Analyze production and materials data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Present findings and recommendations to management and stakeholders to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and manage a team of materials planners, production schedulers, and inventory controllers, providing guidance, support, and training as needed.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for skills development and career advancement.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the materials and production control team.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in materials planning, procurement, inventory control, and production scheduling processes.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other best practices to drive efficiency and productivity improvements.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional teams and projects to implement process improvements and achieve operational excellence.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in all materials and production control activities.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols and procedures for materials handling, storage, and transportation.
• Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments to identify and address potential hazards.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate closely with internal departments, including production, procurement, engineering, and quality, to coordinate materials planning and production scheduling activities.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials and resolve issues as needed.
• Provide regular updates and reports on materials and production performance to management and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM, Certified Supply Chain Professional - CSCP) are a plus.

Experience:

Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in materials management, production planning, or supply chain management roles, preferably in the HVAC or related manufacturing industry.

Proven experience in managing materials planning, procurement, inventory control, and production scheduling processes.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong knowledge of materials management principles, production planning techniques, and supply chain optimization strategies.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex data and make data-driven decisions.

Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.

Proficiency in materials planning and production scheduling software and tools, including ERP and MRP systems.

Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.