Operations Planning Manager / Materials Manager
Knowles Corporation, Cazenovia, NY, United States
Job Overview
The Operations Planning Manager / Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing production planning, materials management, inventory control, and supply chain coordination within the manufacturing facility. This role ensures that production schedules are met efficiently while maintaining optimal inventory levels and supporting overall operational performance.
Duties & Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
Develop and manage production plans to meet customer demand and delivery targets
Align production schedules with capacity, labor, and material availability
Monitor and adjust plans based on changes in demand, supply, or operational constraints
Materials Management
Oversee material planning, inventory control, and material flow
Ensure timely availability of raw materials and components to support production
Manage safety stock levels and minimize excess or obsolete inventory
Inventory Control
Establish and maintain accurate inventory records and cycle count programs
Analyze inventory trends and implement strategies to reduce carrying costs
Ensure compliance with inventory control procedures and audit requirements
Supply Chain Coordination
Collaborate with purchasing and logistics teams to ensure material availability
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and sales teams
Communicate risks, constraints, and mitigation plans related to supply or production
Support new product introductions and engineering changes
Process Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve planning accuracy, inventory turns, and service levels
Implement best practices in planning systems (MRP/ERP)
Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Leadership & Team Management
Lead and develop planning and materials teams
Set performance goals, provide coaching, and conduct evaluations
Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Work Environment
Manufacturing facility setting
May require occasional extended hours based on production demands
Qualifications & Skills
BS degree in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or other related discipline. MS or MBA preferred.
5+ years progressive experience in Manufacturing Planning, Process Engineering, Supply Chain Management or Operations Management
Experience managing multiple direct reports
Experience in capacity planning and use of statistical analysis
Experience with ERP systems required. Experience with Oracle preferred. Experience implementing ERP system preferred.
Demonstrated experience deploying lean methodologies
Strong working knowledge of MS Suite including advanced skills with Microsoft Excel
Detail oriented and thorough
Demonstrated ability to facilitate and influence cross-functionally
Excellent written and oral communication skills
All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. without restriction to ITAR documentation and materials.
Must be a U.S. citizen
Physical Requirements
Eligible to work in the U.S. without restriction to ITAR documentation and materials.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Direct reports of 4-5 Production Planners and 1 Warehouse Supervisor
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Operations Planning Manager / Materials Manager is responsible for overseeing production planning, materials management, inventory control, and supply chain coordination within the manufacturing facility. This role ensures that production schedules are met efficiently while maintaining optimal inventory levels and supporting overall operational performance.
Duties & Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
Develop and manage production plans to meet customer demand and delivery targets
Align production schedules with capacity, labor, and material availability
Monitor and adjust plans based on changes in demand, supply, or operational constraints
Materials Management
Oversee material planning, inventory control, and material flow
Ensure timely availability of raw materials and components to support production
Manage safety stock levels and minimize excess or obsolete inventory
Inventory Control
Establish and maintain accurate inventory records and cycle count programs
Analyze inventory trends and implement strategies to reduce carrying costs
Ensure compliance with inventory control procedures and audit requirements
Supply Chain Coordination
Collaborate with purchasing and logistics teams to ensure material availability
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and sales teams
Communicate risks, constraints, and mitigation plans related to supply or production
Support new product introductions and engineering changes
Process Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve planning accuracy, inventory turns, and service levels
Implement best practices in planning systems (MRP/ERP)
Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Leadership & Team Management
Lead and develop planning and materials teams
Set performance goals, provide coaching, and conduct evaluations
Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Work Environment
Manufacturing facility setting
May require occasional extended hours based on production demands
Qualifications & Skills
BS degree in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or other related discipline. MS or MBA preferred.
5+ years progressive experience in Manufacturing Planning, Process Engineering, Supply Chain Management or Operations Management
Experience managing multiple direct reports
Experience in capacity planning and use of statistical analysis
Experience with ERP systems required. Experience with Oracle preferred. Experience implementing ERP system preferred.
Demonstrated experience deploying lean methodologies
Strong working knowledge of MS Suite including advanced skills with Microsoft Excel
Detail oriented and thorough
Demonstrated ability to facilitate and influence cross-functionally
Excellent written and oral communication skills
All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. without restriction to ITAR documentation and materials.
Must be a U.S. citizen
Physical Requirements
Eligible to work in the U.S. without restriction to ITAR documentation and materials.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Direct reports of 4-5 Production Planners and 1 Warehouse Supervisor
#J-18808-Ljbffr