Lenovo

Manufacturing Planning Manager

Location: Whitsett, North Carolina

Function: NCSC ISG Manufacturing Operations

Responsibilities:

A Manufacturing Planning Manager oversees production scheduling, inventory control, and resource allocation to ensure timely, cost-effective product delivery. They manage Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, develop Master Production Schedules (MPS), and optimize supply chain workflows to meet customer demand while minimizing costs. 

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning: Develop and execute MPS, aligning production capacity with sales forecasts to meet customer demand.
• Inventory & Material Management: Oversee inventory levels to ensure material availability while optimizing inventory investment.
• Workflow Optimization: Coordinate manufacturing orders, including, "make" and "buy" decisions, to maximize efficiency.
• Process Improvement: Implement Lean principles, improve planning systems, and reduce bottlenecks to enhance productivity.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Lead planning teams, mentor staff, and collaborate with operations, procurement, and sales to align goals.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze production data, monitor KPIs, and provide status updates to upper management. 

• Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure the availability of raw materials and optimize the flow of finished goods.
• Provide daily updates on the production schedule and develop plans with manufacturing to recover missed production.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Experience: Previous experience in manufacturing, production planning, or materials management.
• Education: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics) and advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to forecast demand, analyze capacity, and resolve supply chain issues.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to coordinate between shop floor personnel and executive management. 

Basic Qualifications

• Experience with lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Knowledge of BOM (Bill of Materials) management.
• Understanding of ISO quality standards and safety regulations. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record in operations management (6 years experience)
• Intermediate knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (SFDC, SAP, Oracle, etc…)
• Metrics measurements (i.e. delivery, costs, quality audits, exceeding all internal KPI metrics)
• Continuous Improvement Quality process (i.e. Lean Mfg, Six Sigma, ISO, internal initiatives)
• Safety Program compliance (OSHA, DOT, and state and local agencies)
• Proven competencies in (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, MS Office)
• Education: BS or BA degree or equivalent experience in Manufacturing Operations.
• Electronics manufacturing or Distribution background required, EMS experience preferred.
• Analytical skills to evaluate, report, select and implement cost-effective, distribution operations.
• Demonstrated Leadership ability and a proven track record of success to support abilities.
• Excellent people skills and the ability to establish an environment that is conducive of continuous improvement, open communication and is free from controversy.