Sr. Production Planner

Job Overview:

The Senior Production Planner is responsible for leading production planning and scheduling activities to ensure efficient manufacturing operations, optimal inventory levels, and on-time customer delivery. This role develops and executes production plans based on demand forecasts, customer orders, capacity constraints, and material availability while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain. The Senior Production Planner serves as a key liaison between operations, procurement, inventory management, sales, and leadership teams and may provide guidance and mentorship to junior planners. #

KPD Duties & Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on customer orders, forecasts, inventory levels, and production capacity. Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to address delays, equipment downtime, material shortages, or changing customer requirements. Coordinate with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components. Analyze inventory levels and recommend production adjustments to minimize excess inventory and stock shortages. Work closely with manufacturing supervisors to optimize labor utilization and machine capacity. Review customer demand forecasts and collaborate with sales and operations teams to align production plans with business objectives. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as schedule adherence, on-time delivery, inventory turnover, and production efficiency. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance planning accuracy and operational performance. Develop and maintain short-term and long-term production plans to meet customer demand while optimizing manufacturing capacity and inventory investment. Lead production scheduling activities and adjust plans proactively to address changing priorities, supply constraints, equipment downtime, and demand fluctuations. Analyze forecast accuracy, production performance, and demand trends to improve planning effectiveness. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve planning processes, system utilization, and operational efficiency. Mentor and support Production Planners and other planning team members through training, coaching, and best-practice development. Participate in ERP/MRP system enhancements, planning tool implementations, and process optimization projects. Ability to perform AS9100 Audits supporting the Quality Area. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:

Demonstrated experience managing complex production environments with multiple product lines and capacity constraints. Advanced experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms. Strong expertise in production planning, scheduling, capacity planning, and inventory management. Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations. Excellent communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, forecasting, and reporting. Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and efficiency. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

APICS/ASCM

certification (CPIM or CSCP) preferred. Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies. 5-10 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing scheduling, supply chain planning, or operations management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None Work Physical Requirements:

Primarily office-based with regular interaction on the production floor. May require occasional overtime to support production demands and schedule changes. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Shift:

First Shift Compensation:

$75,000 - $95,000 annually

Additional Details :

Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets. Our high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries. What's in it for you on Day 1:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Prescription Drug Plans
• Basic Life Insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Hourly Overtime opportunities
• Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays Exciting Onsite Perks:

• Free coffee available at our cafeteria
• Employee Appreciation Events Knowles is committed to providing a competitive and fair total compensation package for all employees.

Individual compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to previous experience and skills acquired prior to joining Knowles, cost of living in the assigned work location, assigned schedule, and salaries of similarly situated peers at the company. It is to be expected that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences and therefore will be paid at different points in the stated range. We recognize that the person(s) we select for hire may be less experienced or more experienced than the role as posted; if this is the case, any updates to available salary ranges will be communicated with candidates during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Knowles Precision Devices prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

ITAR Statement:

Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment. Notice to

Staffing Agencies, Search Firms and Recruitment Agencies:

The recruitment process at Knowles is managed through the Human Resources department. Knowles does not accept resumes submitted from 3rd party agencies outside of our system. To submit resumes, 3rd party agencies will need to be a pre-approved vendor with a valid contract in place, be actively engaged by Knowles to recruit for a specific position and have agency log in credentials to submit candidates to our careers portal. Please do not submit resumes via e-mail, through our external website or directly to our employees. Any resumes submitted in this way become the property of Knowles and will not be eligible for any placement fee.