Manufacturing Master Scheduler & Planner
Zehnder Group North AmericaLocation: Buffalo, NY Work Arrangement: Hybrid - 3 days onsite / 2 days remote Salary: $75,000 - 90,000 annually Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: Operations Manager / Supply Chain Manager About the Role Zehnder Group North America (Zehnder Rittling, business unit) is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Manufacturing Master Scheduler & Planner to join our Buffalo, NY manufacturing operation. In this role, you will own the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and play a critical role in balancing customer demand, production capacity, materials, inventory, and operational priorities. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Sales, and Customer Service to ensure production plans are achievable and customer commitments are met. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on supply chain professional who enjoys solving complex planning challenges and improving manufacturing performance. What You'll Do Production Planning & Scheduling Develop, maintain, and execute the Master Production Schedule based on customer demand and business priorities. Balance production capacity, labor availability, material constraints, and customer requirements. Create and monitor detailed production schedules. Adjust schedules in response to changes in demand, material availability, equipment downtime, or staffing constraints. Monitor schedule adherence and implement corrective actions when needed. Demand & Inventory Planning Analyze forecasts, customer orders, and inventory levels to develop accurate production plans. Identify demand trends and recommend inventory strategies that balance service levels and working capital. Partner with Procurement to ensure materials are available when needed to support production. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Sales, and Customer Service to align production priorities. Communicate production schedules, constraints, risks, and recovery plans to key stakeholders. Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and capacity planning activities. Performance & Continuous Improvement Monitor key planning and manufacturing metrics, including: Schedule attainment On-time delivery Capacity utilization Forecast accuracy Production lead time Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, manufacturing efficiency, and lead times. Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. Participate in ERP/MRP system improvements and data accuracy initiatives. What We're Looking For Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in manufacturing planning, production scheduling, or supply chain. Demonstrated experience developing and managing Master Production Schedules in a manufacturing environment. Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Preferred Qualifications APICS/ASCM certification such as CPIM or CSCP. Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles. Experience in high-mix/low-volume and/or repetitive manufacturing environments. Knowledge of capacity planning, inventory optimization, and forecasting methodologies. Experience with SAP, Oracle, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar ERP systems. What You'll Bring Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills Ability to translate demand and operational constraints into executable production plans Strong ownership and follow-through Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment Collaborative approach with the ability to influence across functions Continuous improvement mindset Why Join Zehnder? At Zehnder, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on manufacturing performance, customer service, and supply chain effectiveness while working as pa…