PRODUCTION PLANNING MANAGERReporting to: Head of OperationsLocation: LatinaDepartment: Operations ManagementCompany Overview:A leading company in the design and development of complex production lines and innovative machinery, from concept to implementation.Role Purpose and Summary:The Production Planning Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of production planning and scheduling, ensuring that the plant produces the right products at the right time. This includes maximizing the use of manufacturing and assembly resources, meeting customer delivery commitments, and optimally managing outsourcing to external suppliers.This role oversees Master Production Scheduling (MPS), detailed shop floor scheduling, and capacity planning processes, ensuring effective use of machinery and availability of operators both on the headquarter and at customer sites, aligned with demand and operational capabilities.The Manager works closely with multiple departments — engineering, operations, purchasing, project management, sales, commercial teams, and customers — to align the production plan with customer requirements, operational constraints, and strategic objectives.Key Responsibilities:Planning and Scheduling:Develop, validate, and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS) by balancing forecasted demand, confirmed orders, and production constraints.Translate the MPS into realistic weekly and daily production schedules, optimizing job sequences to reduce downtime and changeovers.Conduct capacity planning analysis (RCCP, CRP) to ensure alignment between planned production and available capacity (machinery, outsourcing, assembly, testing, packaging, and shipping).Monitor and improve planned capacity utilization, ensuring efficiency of critical resources and necessary flexibility.Proactively identify bottlenecks and capacity constraints.Performance Management:Monitor and report key planning KPIs, including:Schedule adherence (%): Actual production vs. plan.Planned capacity utilization (%): Real use of forecasted resources.On-time delivery (OTD) and impacts of scrap/rework on planning.Analyze variances and promote corrective/preventive actions with production and engineering teams.Cross-Functional Collaboration:Work with project management and sales to integrate dynamic customer needs into the production plan.Collaborate with engineering and operations to plan manufacturing, assembly, testing, and product modifications.Coordinate with procurement and warehouse to ensure timely material availability (both in-house and outsourced).Continuous Improvement:Lead initiatives to improve planning processes and tools by applying lean principles and Theory of Constraints (TOC).Enhance the accuracy and responsiveness of planning by adopting best practices.Leadership:Lead, support, and develop the production planning team and indirectly manage personnel involved in execution.Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Requirements and Qualifications:Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production Management, Supply Chain, or similar. Master's degree (MBA or MSc) is preferred.APICS CPIM or CSCP certification is highly desirable.8–12 years of experience in production planning/scheduling, in industrial, machinery, or small-batch production environments, with 3–5 years in leadership roles.Solid knowledge of:Master Production Scheduling (MPS)Capacity planning (RCCP, CRP)Manufacturing and assembly dynamicsERP/MRP systems and Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) toolsProven ability to improve schedule adherence, asset utilization, and planning accuracy.Preferred experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.Strong analytical, decision-making, and communication skills.Excellent interpersonal and leadership capabilities.Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills. Positive attitude and fast learner.Salary Range (RAL): €45,000 up to €60,000Jefferson Wells is an ethically responsible company. This service is free of charge. All genders are encouraged to apply (Law 903/77 - Legislative Decree no. 198/2006). Please read the Privacy Policy at www.Jeffersonwells.itAut. Min. Prot. No. 1116 - SG - dated 26/11/04.