Production Planning Expert

SUMMARY:

The Production Planning Expert ensures on‑time shipment of customer orders by planning, scheduling, preparing, releasing, and revising production orders as needed. This role works closely with inventory control, purchasing, engineering, NPI, project management, and other departments to align production activity with material availability and delivery commitments.

Responsibilities include coordinating production logistics activities, supporting inventory control, processing production‑related purchasing requests, and working with shipping and receiving to maintain smooth material flow. A significant portion of Huntsville Micro Optics’ value creation occurs at key external suppliers, requiring strong cooperation, communication, and feedback to strengthen these critical relationships.

Key Skills: Excellent communication, strong computer proficiency, and detail‑orientation in a fast‑paced custom manufacturing environment, SAP-ERP experience in PP & MM modules.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

• Schedule and coordinate workflow within the production department to ensure on‑time shipment of customer orders, applying Just‑In‑Time principles to reduce lead time variation.
• Review and prioritize customer orders against production schedules and labor/capacity availability, using capacity analysis to balance demand and resources.
• Prepare and adjust production schedules as needed, using takt time alignment to match customer demand.
• Communicate with manufacturing teams on order status and schedule changes, ensuring closed‑loop feedback to minimize rework and delays.
• Open and close production work orders to maintain accurate WIP visibility and eliminate residual hours, supporting process control in SAP.
• Collaborate with co‑workers on problems, suggestions, and improvements, applying Kaizen methods to drive continuous flow.
• Analyze workloads and plant capacity data, applying statistical process control (SPC) to identify bottlenecks and stabilize throughput.
• Utilize SAP performance metrics (KPIs) to measure and control production effectiveness, focusing on cycle time reduction and defect prevention.
• Plan and schedule workflow for each department and operation according to established sequences and lead times, reinforcing standard work practices.
• Expedite operations that delay schedules and apply root cause analysis to mitigate unforeseen conditions.
• Monitor, analyze, and report schedule performance using SAP ERP data, ensuring data‑driven decision making.

RESPONSIBILITIES (CONTINUED):

• Report potential delivery risks daily and propose corrective actions using DMAIC methodology to sustain on‑time delivery.
• Coordinate movement of raw material and WIP to assure delivery commitments are met through flow optimization.
• Initiate replacement orders for lost, damaged, or discrepant items, applying error‑proofing (Poka‑Yoke) principles to prevent recurrence.
• Support Quality, Safety, and Environmental programs, reinforcing a zero‑defect, zero‑incident culture.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 3 years of experience with ERP software in production planning and materials management; SAP experience required.
• Proficiency with MS Office; MS Project or Project Libre experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.
• Strong communication skills – verbal and written – to coordinate effectively across departments.
• Solid analytical ability, adaptability, and problem‑solving skills with a focus on continuous process improvement (Kaizen/LEAN).
• Ability to resolve practical issues and adjust to variable production conditions.
• Demonstrated good judgment in addressing production and material discrepancies.
• Understanding of LEAN manufacturing principles preferred.
• Team‑oriented, able to work collaboratively in an empowered environment.
• Capable of working under pressure and meeting demanding internal and external customer requirements.
• Professional interpersonal skills to interact effectively and respectfully with colleagues.
• APICS certification is a plus.
• U.S. Citizenship or Qualified U.S. Worker required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, certain physical capabilities are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these requirements.

In the course of normal duties, the employee may occasionally need to stand, walk, sit, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regular use of hands and fingers is required for handling tools, materials, and computer input. Clear verbal communication and active listening are also essential. The role may involve lifting or moving items weighing up to 25 pounds. Visual demands include the ability to focus at varying distances, distinguish colors, and maintain peripheral and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Employees in this role are not exposed to outdoor weather conditions, and the noise level in the work environment is generally moderate.