Production & Material Planning - Director/Manager/Senior Manager

Position: Director – Production & Material Planning / Customer Service (CSR) Department: Production Planning Reporting to: Operations Head Location: Cochin, Kerala, India. Job Highlights: B.E/ B. Tech Mechanical/Electronics/Mechatronics Engineering with 18 + years of experience in Production Planning & CSR Role, in EMS/ Electro- Mechanical , large manufacturing unit. (Connector/Cable Assembly background preferred).

Job Description: The Director – Production & Material Planning / CSR is responsible for overseeing production planning, procurement coordination, and inventory management to ensure smooth manufacturing operations and consistent On-Time Delivery Performance (OTDP). The role plays a critical part in aligning supply and demand through effective Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), managing customer service operations, and proactively handling escalations to maintain service excellence and operational efficiency. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1.

Planning & Production Coordination Lead the production planning function to ensure efficient scheduling and optimal utilization of manufacturing capacity. Develop and roll out production plans based on customer demand forecasts, order backlog, and business priorities. Coordinate closely with production teams to ensure timely execution of schedules and address capacity or material constraints. 2.

Material Planning & Procurement Coordination Manage the planning and ordering of raw materials and purchased components in alignment with production requirements. Ensure timely release of purchase requests and coordinate with procurement to avoid shortages or excess inventory. 3. Inventory Management Define and monitor inventory targets for raw materials, SFG, and finished goods in line with business requirements.

Drive inventory reduction initiatives and monitor progress to optimize working capital and supply chain efficiency. Apply effective inventory control techniques to balance service levels and cost efficiency. 4. Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Prepare and consolidate revenue forecast files and demand projections.

Finalize monthly revenue outlook based on order forecasts, backlog, and supply capacity. Support S&OP reviews by aligning supply plans with customer demand and operational capabilities. 5. Customer Service & Escalation Management Lead the Customer Service Representatives (CSR) team to ensure prompt order management and customer communication.

Manage customer escalations, urgent requirements, and pull-in requests in coordination with production teams. Provide timely updates and solutions to customers to ensure service continuity and prevent line stoppages. 6. Delivery Performance Management Monitor and analyze On-Time Delivery Performance (OTDP) and identify improvement opportunities.

Drive cross-functional collaboration with production, procurement, and logistics teams to consistently meet delivery targets. 7. Issue Escalation & Risk Management Identify and highlight critical supply chain risks or constraints that may impact customer deliveries or revenue forecasts. Escalate key issues to management with clear action plans and mitigation strategies. 8.

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence Lead and guide the Planning and CSR teams to ensure efficient execution of planning and customer service activities. Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, communication flow, and service delivery. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Exposure in Customer audits/ System audits like ISO/IATF/ Sustainability. Proficiency in ERP systems for planning, inventory, and order management(QAD system is preferred) Advanced Excel skills, Power BI/ AI tools for data analysis, forecasting, and reporting. Good understanding of inventory control techniques and supply chain planning concepts.

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to perform efficiently in a fast-paced and demanding work environment.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES Leadership: Ability to guide, motivate, and develop the planning team toward achieving business goals. Accountability: Takes ownership of deliverables, deadlines, and performance targets. Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively across departments and with customers.

Collaboration: Works proactively with cross-functional and Global Sales & Product Management teams, Production, Procurement, and Customer Service. Analytical Thinking: Uses data-driven insights to make sound planning and inventory decisions. Problem-Solving: Anticipates challenges and implements practical, timely solutions.

Decision-Making: Makes informed and balanced decisions under pressure to support business continuity. Customer Focus: Prioritizes customer needs, ensuring on-time delivery and quick resolution of escalations.