PPC Manager

Job Description: Planning Manager

oversees and optimizes the manufacturing process to ensure timely production, efficient resource utilization, and high product quality. This senior role involves strategic planning and coordination with multiple departments, from sales and procurement to logistics.

Roles and responsibilities

A PPC manager is responsible for the entire production lifecycle, including:

• Developing and implementing production plans to meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization.
• Collaborating with production teams, supply chain and sales to understand data from demand forecasting and plan production requirements.
• Analyzing and assessing inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and prevent shortages or excesses.
• Creating and maintaining production schedules, considering lead times, production capacities and resource constraints.
• Coordinating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and components.
• Scheduling: Creating and maintaining detailed production schedules to ensure on-time delivery while balancing workload and capacity across production lines.
• Inventory management: Monitoring inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods to prevent shortages or overstocking, which helps to minimize waste and storage costs.
• Interdepartmental coordination: Serving as the key liaison between various departments, including sales, procurement, production, and logistics, to ensure a seamless and aligned workflow.
• Performance monitoring: Tracking and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production output, on-time delivery, and inventory turnover to identify issues and implement corrective actions.
• Problem-solving: Addressing production disruptions, supply chain issues, and other operational problems to keep production on track.
• Process improvement: Identifying inefficiencies and implementing continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma, to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Team leadership: Supervising, mentoring, and motivating the production control team to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive planning strategies, aligning them with overall business goals and objectives.
• Project Oversight: Coordinate projects from inception to completion, monitor progress, and implement controls to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor planning staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Resource Management: Oversee the allocation of resources, manage budgets, and monitor expenditures.
• Data Analysis & Forecasting: Analyze market trends, financial data, and operational metrics to inform strategic planning, forecast future needs, and assess potential risks.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with different departments and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective communication.
• Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies, and prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management.
• Common Tasks Conducting planning meetings, Preparing reports and presentations, Managing project budgets and funding, Monitoring and evaluating project performance, and Representing the department at public or council meetings.

Skills and qualifications

• Strong analytical skills: The ability to analyze data and production metrics to make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP software: Experience using enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material requirements planning (MRP) systems for production and inventory control.
• Excellent communication and leadership: Strong verbal and written communication to effectively coordinate with diverse teams and lead staff.
• Problem-solving abilities: A knack for quickly identifying issues and implementing effective solutions to minimize production delays.
• Deep industry knowledge: A solid understanding of manufacturing processes, lean principles, and quality control techniques.
• Organizational and time-management skills: The ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is typically required.
• Experience: Most positions require a minimum of 15-20 years of experience in production planning and control, with some management experience.
• Certifications: Professional certifications such as APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) are often preferred and can demonstrate expertise.