Gabriele & Company, recruiters for manufacturing and supply chain professionals, is working with a Bedford/Billerica area manufacturer in need of an experienced Production Planner to oversee its production planning functions while keeping inventory lean and customers happy. This isn't just about maintaining spreadsheets—it's about being the strategic mind that balances demand with capability, transforms forecasts into action plans, and keeps the manufacturing pulse beating strong.

In this role you'll be the linchpin between sales promises and manufacturing reality. You'll craft master production schedules that satisfy customer needs while optimizing inventory levels—all while navigating through order backlogs, sales forecasts, and supply constraints. In this fast-paced environment, your energy, organization, and commitment to excellence will be the foundation of your success.

Your Impact

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to set and achieve ambitious production targets
• Provide leadership to your team of buyer-planners, inspiring them to excellence
• Translate complex supply chain data into clear timelines and commitments for our sales teams
• Identify capacity risks before they become problems and drive innovative solutions
• Release work orders strategically based on MRP signals and kanban triggers
• Bridge the gap between internal capabilities and external customer expectations
• Transform planning insights into continuous improvement initiatives
• Resolve inventory discrepancies with detective-like precision
• Support new product introductions with materials and capacity planning expertise
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure timely materials availability

Your Experience

• 5-10 years of planning experience in manufacturing environments
• Bachelor's degree preferred, with APICS certification a plus
• Experience using MS Teams and Microsoft Office suite including advanced Excel
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, MRP planning, inventory management, and Kanban systems
• Proven ability to manage complex bills of materials (50++ parts) and balance competing priorities

Our client offers a competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package for those ready to elevate planning operations to the next level.