We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Production Planning & Control Manager to oversee and optimize all supply chain and production planning operations. This role requires a leader who can balance demand and capacity, ensure on-time order fulfillment, and drive process efficiency across receiving, shipping, warehousing, and inventory control. The ideal candidate will be a results-driven professional with strong leadership, analytical, and organizational skills, capable of fostering collaboration across departments to achieve operational excellence.

Position Responsibilities

Supply Chain and Operations Management

Manage and continuously improve processes related to fulfilling customer orders on time, including receiving, shipping, warehousing, and inventory control.
Implement standardized operating procedures and training programs across departments to ensure consistency and accountability.
Drive collaboration through an effective Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process, aligning production, supply chain, and customer service functions.
Maintain a focus on inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and root cause analysis to eliminate losses and variances.
Ensure safety and compliance standards are met throughout all supply chain and production activities.

Production Planning and Optimization

Oversee production scheduling to optimize asset utilization and minimize lead times and operating costs.
Balance production demand with available capacities using S&OP methodologies.
Collaborate with product management and customer service to maintain accurate lead-time data.
Apply lean principles to improve material flow, eliminate waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
Develop actionable performance metrics (KPIs) to support data-driven decision-making.

Inventory Management

Manage and optimize inventory levels to meet business and customer needs while maintaining financial performance.
Determine and maintain the most effective inventory strategies for various product lines (e.g., MTO, MTS, Push/Pull).
Ensure accurate documentation and reporting of inventory transactions across systems.
Support working capital goals through efficient inventory utilization and control.

Team Leadership and Development

Lead and develop a high-performing team through clear goals, training, and succession planning.
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Manage personnel decisions including hiring, performance reviews, and professional development.
Promote collaboration between production, supply chain, and operations leadership teams.

Prerequisites

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or Engineering (Master’s or MBA preferred).
7+ years of experience in supply chain or production planning leadership within a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of MRP and manufacturing systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP tools.
Proven analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and lead cross-functional teams.
Familiarity with ISO or regulated environments preferred.

Certifications (Preferred, but Not Required)

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

What the Role Offers

Competitive salary range of $140,000–$155,000, with a target bonus of 15% (up to 30% maximum).
Leadership opportunity within a high-impact, strategic operations role.
Exposure to advanced supply chain methodologies and enterprise-wide initiatives.
Professional development through collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
A culture focused on excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Why Worcester?

Worcester offers a vibrant industrial and business environment, making it an ideal setting for manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The city’s strong infrastructure, access to skilled talent, and growing manufacturing sector create a thriving ecosystem for operational innovation. Combining community strength with professional opportunity, Worcester provides a rewarding environment for leaders ready to make a measurable impact in production and supply chain excellence.