Production Planner

The Production Planner is responsible for creating & maintaining an optimised executable production schedule for the frozen and firm horizon at the most detailed process step level. Manage master data to ensure accurate capacity planning and lead times for assigned assets.

Monitor closely actual production status for the resources in scope, monitor plan adherence (production, QC, QA & Logistics. Identify and address potential short-term supply constraints and delays. (Equipment capacity, labor, materials, etc.) Collaborate with global planning and site functions to ensure both excellent customer service and efficient production.

**Optimised Production Schedule**
- Co - ordinate with Network Supply Planner (NSP) on rolling weekly planned orders into the firm horizon
- Develop detailed production schedule for the Frozen and Firm horizon (reflected in planning system) considering constrained production plan boundaries and an optimised production sequence (cost)
- Optimize the usage of bulk and pack materials (end consumption, FIFO, shelf life planning) to avoid scrapping. Ensure suitable inventory management in place.
- Resolve short-term capacity and manpower issues
- Ensure scheduling or urgent late call requirements (approved by NSP) to increase agility and flexibility taking into account business rules.

**Material Availability & Switch Artwork Planning**
- Confirm material availability of all required materials & readiness within the operational horizon. Resolve any material shortage problems in a timely manner.
- Plan for and pack/artwork changes within the horizon. Manage obsolescence and destruction process.
- Co-ordinate with material planner or is responsible to place purchase orders on raw materials & packaging components and follow up with suppliers. Reviews material shortage alerts for both global and local materials

**S&OE Short Term Issue Detection and Actuals Monitoring**
- Analyse on a weekly basis executional supply alerts (including customer/market nodes) and escalate to NSP through S&OE process based on threshold
- Rebalance the plan in the frozen horizon escalating to the NSP only where there is a service constraint, a significant trade off decision is required or where the change could impact the tactical plan
- Monitor high priority orders carefully. Follow up on releases/deviations and trigger shipments with warehouse/logistics where needed. Escalate delays to NSP, whilst securing reflection in planning systems
- Monitor production actuals vs the production schedule, escalate deviations potentially impacting to customer service. Analyse gaps vs schedule, perform root-cause analysis and create action plan to increase adherence
- Advise QA/PET on timing/impact of deviations.
- Generate production reports to operation for critical decision making purposes

**Capacity & Resource Data Management**
- Responsible for having a complete set of the latest available capacity and resource/planning master data (available hours/calendar, maintenance, run rates, change overs/set up matrix, shift factors, OEE, BOMs, PVs, GR, GI, WIP, Lead Times) updated in the systems according to business rules.
- Communicate any data changes which impact the tactical horizon.
- Manage the Downtime process for assigned assets

**PET/Resource Plan Interface**
- First point of contact for GSC&S & PET organisation related to the operational plan

**Handover to Make & Control**
- Convert the detailed Schedule into process orders and communicate to PET while co ordinating internal stakeholders (QA, QC, Site Regulatory, Site Finance, Master Data, Warehouse) to ensure a realistic production plan
- Communicate specific order/customer requirements to PET and site functions (eg specific shelf life requirements, tender specifics)
- Communicate in advance manpower requirements for effective employee/shift rostering, weekly handshake with PET on agreed production schedule.

**Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience**
- In depth working knowledge of SAP and more specifically APO
- Work experience planning in a fast moving manufacturing environment
- Management of a complex and changing workload
- Understanding of Pharmaceutical GMP principles an advantage
- Strong influencing skills across all levels of the organisation