Explore Head of Production Planning jobs and discover a pivotal leadership role at the heart of manufacturing and supply chain excellence. As the strategic architect of a company's production output, the Head of Production Planning is responsible for transforming business forecasts into actionable, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing schedules. This senior position sits at the critical intersection of sales, procurement, finance, and factory operations, ensuring that production capacity is perfectly aligned with market demand to drive profitability and customer satisfaction. Professionals in these jobs typically oversee a comprehensive planning ecosystem. A core responsibility is leading the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, a monthly cross-functional cycle that synchronizes the plans of every department into one unified business strategy. They then translate this high-level plan into a detailed Master Production Schedule (MPS), specifying what is to be produced, in what quantity, and on which shifts. A significant part of the role involves rigorous capacity management, using Rough-Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) to identify potential bottlenecks in labor, machinery, or materials and developing solutions to mitigate them. Collaboration with procurement is essential to navigate supply constraints and component shortages, ensuring the production plan is realistic and resilient. Day-to-day, a Head of Production Planning is deeply analytical, constantly monitoring plan-versus-actual performance, analyzing variances, and making dynamic adjustments to schedules to maintain efficiency. Leadership is a fundamental aspect, as they manage a team of planners and schedulers, setting objectives, mentoring talent, and fostering a data-driven culture. Continuous process improvement is also central to the role, with a constant focus on optimizing workflows to reduce lead times, minimize inventory costs, and lower overall manufacturing expenses. They are also key reporters to senior leadership, providing KPI dashboards, attainment analyses, and executive summaries that inform strategic decision-making. Candidates exploring Head of Production Planning jobs will find that typical requirements include a substantial background (often 5+ years) in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain management, with progressive leadership experience. Essential skills include advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency with ERP and advanced planning systems, and a strong grasp of inventory control principles. Superior communication and interpersonal skills are non-negotiable for facilitating collaboration across diverse teams. A proven track record in improving key metrics like schedule adherence, inventory turns, and operational costs is highly valued. For strategic thinkers who excel at turning complexity into clarity, Head of Production Planning jobs offer a challenging and rewarding career path with a direct impact on organizational success.
