Production Planning Manager

Date: Oct 15, 2026 Location: Siloam Springs, AR, US, 72761 Company: Gates Corporation Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you. Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations. Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all? WHAT TO EXPECT As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward-thinking, open-minded, and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Siloam Springs, AR plant, you will be a Planning Manager. As a Planning Manager, you will lead production planning and scheduling to ensure customer demand is met while balancing manufacturing capacity, material availability, and inventory levels. In this role, you will work closely with Operations, Materials, Procurement, Customer Service, Engineering, and Quality to develop production plans, resolve scheduling and material challenges, and improve overall efficiency. You will play a key role in improving planning processes, optimizing inventory, and keeping production on track. The ideal candidate is a strong leader and problem-solver who can manage changing priorities, make data-driven decisions, and support a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities (to name a few): Lead production planning and scheduling activities to ensure customer orders are met while balancing manufacturing capacity, material availability, and inventory levels. Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory, equipment capacity, and operational priorities. Partner with Operations to adjust production schedules, manage changing priorities, and minimize disruptions to customer deliveries. Identify and resolve production constraints related to labor, equipment, materials, and capacity to keep manufacturing operations running efficiently. Work closely with Procurement and Materials teams to ensure raw materials are available to support production needs and prevent shortages. Monitor raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventory to maintain appropriate stock levels, reduce excess inventory, and improve inventory accuracy. Support Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) by evaluating demand changes, production capacity, inventory needs, and potential risks. Maintain accurate planning data within ERP/MRP systems, including lead times, lot sizes, safety stock levels, and production requirements. Review system-generated planning recommendations, identify potential issues, and take action to maintain accurate and reliable production schedules. Track key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time delivery, schedule attainment, inventory turns, backlog, material shortages, and capacity utilization. Analyze production and planning performance to identify opportunities to improve scheduling accuracy, inventory management, and overall efficiency. Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles, root cause analysis, and problem-solving techniques to reduce waste and improve planning processes. Develop and implement standardized planning procedures to improve consistency, communication, and efficiency across the facility. Lead, coach, and develop the planning and scheduling team by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth. Build strong working relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and Finance to align production plans with business objectives. Promote a collaborative, results-driven environment focused on accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. ABOUT YOU Bachelor's degree i…

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