Specialist, Plant Downstream Planning Leader

The Downstream Planning Leader is responsible for leading production planning, scheduling, and inventory management activities to ensure efficient manufacturing operations, on-time customer delivery, and optimal inventory performance.

Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, this role partners closely with Manufacturing, Upstream Planning, Engineering, Logistics, Customer Service, and Operations teams to align production capacity, material availability, and demand forecasts with business objectives while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

What do you get to do in this position?


* Develop and manage short-term and long-term production plans to meet customer demand and business objectives.


* Create and maintain Master Production Schedules (MPS), balancing production capacity, labor availability, and customer requirements.


* Ensure material availability and inventory optimization, including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory.


* Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Materials teams to support production continuity and minimize inventory risks.


* Analyze capacity constraints, identify bottlenecks, and develop plans to improve manufacturing throughput and efficiency.


* Support workforce, tooling, and capacity planning to meet current and future business needs.


* Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Logistics, Demand Planning, and Sales teams to coordinate production priorities and support SIOP processes.


* Communicate production risks, constraints, and recovery plans to key stakeholders.


* Monitor and report key operational KPIs, including schedule attainment, on-time delivery, inventory performance, capacity utilization, customer service levels, and manufacturing lead times.


* Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.


* Lead, coach, and develop production planning and scheduling teams while supporting organizational growth and performance goals.

What qualifications will make you successful for this role?



* Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.


* 3-10 years of experience in Production Planning, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, Materials Management, or Demand Planning.


* Experience working in a manufacturing environment with responsibility for production scheduling, inventory planning, and capacity management.


* Hands-on experience with SAP or other ERP systems supporting planning and manufacturing operations.


* Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.


* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.


* Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders.


* Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.


* Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement and operati...