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Planning Manager
Position Summary
The Aerospace Production Planning Manager is responsible for leading production planning, scheduling, and materials coordination activities to ensure the efficient manufacture and delivery of aerospace products. This role drives cross-functional alignment between manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality, and program management to meet customer commitments, optimize resource utilization, and maintain compliance with aerospace industry standards.
The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and operational leadership skills with deep knowledge of aerospace manufacturing environments, ERP/MRP systems, and production control processes.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
Develop and manage master production schedules to support customer delivery requirements and operational goals.
Balance production capacity, labor, machine availability, and material constraints to optimize throughput.
Monitor production progress and adjust schedules proactively to mitigate delays or disruptions.
Lead Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and demand planning activities as .
Ensure accurate production forecasting and inventory planning.
Operations Coordination
Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, procurement, quality, and logistics teams to ensure seamless production execution.
Coordinate new product introductions (NPI) and engineering changes into production schedules.
Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve flow and efficiency.
Support shop floor operations with prioritization and production control guidance.
Inventory & Materials Management
Oversee material planning and inventory control strategies to maintain optimal inventory levels.
Ensure material availability aligns with production schedules and customer commitments.
Monitor supplier performance and coordinate with supply chain teams to address shortages or late deliveries.
Reduce excess and obsolete inventory through strategic planning initiatives.
Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including on-time delivery, schedule adherence, inventory turns, and capacity utilization.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and process standardization.
Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
Develop and maintain planning procedures, workflows, and documentation.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop production planners and schedulers.
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance team environment.
Support workforce planning and departmental resource allocation.
Provide training on ERP/MRP systems and production planning best practices.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field.
5–10 years of production planning, scheduling, or operations management experience in aerospace or advanced manufacturing.
3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP. Visual experience a plus.
Experience working in AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD).
Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
Familiarity with aerospace production environments including machining, assembly, composites, or avionics manufacturing.
Experience supporting government, defense, or commercial aerospace programs.
Knowledge of capacity planning and constraint management techniques.
Key Competencies
Strategic Planning
Production Scheduling
Capacity & Demand Planning
Supply Chain Coordination
Leadership & Team Development
Process Improvement
Data Analysis & Reporting
Decision-Making Under Pressure
Customer Focus
Regulatory Compliance
Our Benefits:
Comprehensive medical insurance
Competitive PTO, holiday pay, and sick leave
Company 401K plan with up to 4% matched contribution
Annual bonus program (varies by level and discretionary based on company and individual performance)
Flexible working arrangements
Paid volunteering opportunities
Access to mental health champions across our sites
Commitment to development
Employee referral program
#LI-Onsite, #LI-RD1
EOE/Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran
Compensation Pay Range
up to $140k
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Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran
Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person ” as defined by 22. C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.