Planning Manager - 13824

Planning Manager
Location: Houston, TX - onsite | Manufacturing industry

Our client is a specialty manufacturer producing custom, build-to-order products in a complex production environment. They are seeking a Planning Manager to lead production and material planning, ensuring customer demand translates into reliable, executable plans on the shop floor.

This role sits at the intersection of procurement, manufacturing, and supply chain, balancing capacity, material availability, and shifting priorities to keep delivery commitments on track. It's a strong fit for someone who thrives on solving constraint puzzles and driving cross-functional execution.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain production schedules that reflect customer orders, forecasts, and shifting business priorities
• Convert demand signals into actionable production and replenishment plans
• Re-sequence and adjust plans in response to material shortages, capacity limits, or operational disruptions
• Keep planning activity aligned with ERP/MRP system data and outputs
• Evaluate capacity, labor, and material readiness to determine what's realistically achievable
• Partner with procurement and replenishment teams to head off supply risk before it impacts production
• Pinpoint bottlenecks and recommend tradeoffs that improve throughput and service levels
• Work cross-functionally with manufacturing, procurement, and customer service to align execution plans
• Communicate schedule changes, risks, and recovery plans clearly to affected stakeholders
• Contribute data and analysis to S&OP and broader planning processes
• Release and track work orders, flagging execution risks and recommending corrective action
• Provide regular status updates to support fast, informed decision-making
• Monitor planning KPIs such as schedule adherence, on-time delivery, backlog, and material availability
• Maintain accuracy of planning master data and support ongoing ERP/MRP improvements
• Lead, coach, and manage performance for the Materials and Replenishment teams

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in production, supply, or materials planning within a manufacturing setting
• Background in build-to-order or complex manufacturing environments strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems required
• Prior experience leading a team preferred
• APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification a plus
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical, problem-solving capability
• Effective communicator who can manage stakeholders across departments
• Comfortable prioritizing and driving execution amid frequent change
• Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset

Do not apply unless you are authorized to work in the United States for any employer as client company cannot sponsor or transfer visas at this time.

Walker Elliott is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information, please apply online.