Production Planner

Howmet Engines is a world-class producer of aero engine and industrial gas turbine components, including airfoils, rings, disks and forgings. We excel in vacuum melted superalloys, machining, performance coatings and hot isostatic pressing for high performance parts that enable the next generation of quieter, more fuel-efficient aero engines and cleaner power generation. Howmet Dover Casting is a world-class supplier of complex, investment-cast turbine airfoils and other components for the aircraft engine and industrial gas turbine industries. Howmet Dover Alloy is a world-class supplier of vacuum and air-melted nickel- and cobalt-based superalloys to aerospace, gas turbine, medical and other high-technology industrial markets.

Howmet Aerospace is currently looking a Production Planner to join our Casting Facility located in Morristown, TN. This shift will be primarily 1st shift but must have flexibility to work off shift hours.

Along with your pay, our company provides you with a comprehensive package of benefits that is competitive with other leading companies. Some of our benefits include: Paid vacation each year, based on length of service; 13 paid holidays per year; 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, company may match a percentage of your pre-tax contributions; Employer contribution to your Retirement Savings Plan account each pay period; Medical/Prescription Drug/Dental/Vision benefits offered upon hire; Employee Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Tuition Assistance Program; Free fitness center membership.

The Cross-Site Production Planner is responsible for the development, coordination, and management of production schedules across multiple aerospace manufacturing sites. The role ensures that production processes are optimized to meet delivery deadlines, quality standards, and cost targets. This individual works closely with production teams, supply chain, procurement, engineering, and quality control to ensure all resources are efficiently allocated to meet production goals and customer requirements.

Job Roles

• Coordination--aligns activities to meet customer needs and ensure delivery; translates PO requirements to floor schedules; executes from forecast to shipping
• Customer advocate--functions as single point of contact and owns customer needs as an internal representative; challenges internal systems and processes to stretch increasing and changing demands; committed to internal improvement through service
• Detailed scale--manages high volume of detail at significant complexity; maintains multiple touchpoints with internal and external customers throughout production and delivery process
• Communication and relationship--proactive communicator internally so that other leaders have information from customers and vice versa; provides accurate and timely information and builds relationship by helping others know what to expect; insists on the integrity of doing what we say we will do; builds rapport with customers and solicits their feedback
• Proactive and assertive--takes initiative; anticipates issues based on supply and forecasts; communicates regularly throughout the production cycle; asserts self as conduit between customer and production, representing both and finding ways to succeed; asserts business expectations while simultaneously protecting the need for adequate time and information to forecast and plan
• Anticipatory--becomes involved in capex discussions based on understanding of customer demand; helps internal leaders determine the degree to which they are prepared for the future; assists to prioritize based on projected volume, revenue and future opportunities
• Data oriented--uses data to negotiate with and inform customers; maintains an understanding of capacity and capability and represents accurately to customers while seeking growth;
• Organization--works with systems and governance; manages time well; leads with information and time specific exactness; creates urgency through timelines and forecasts; demonstrates expertise in project management and master schedule creation

Key Responsibilities:

Master Production Scheduling (MPS):

• Develop and maintain the master production schedule for multiple facilities, ensuring alignment with customer demand, capacity constraints, and material availability.
• Monitor production workflows and adjust schedules to mitigate potential delays, bottlenecks, or resource shortages.
• Ensure synchronization of production plans across different sites to optimize the flow of work and balance capacity.
  
  

Coordination & Communication:

• Serve as the key liaison between production facilities, supply chain teams, procurement, engineering, and customers to ensure clear communication of production schedules and priorities.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve scheduling conflicts or production challenges.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure that production activities align with business objectives.
  
  

Capacity Planning & Resource Allocation:

• Analyze facility capacities and recommend shifts or adjustments in workloads to ensure smooth production operations across multiple locations.
• Evaluate long-term demand forecasts to align production capacity and workforce requirements.
  
  

Data Management & Reporting:

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including production performance, lead times, and schedule adherence.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of production schedules, status updates, and changes in ERP/MRP systems.
• Perform root cause analysis for any production scheduling discrepancies or delays and implement corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement:

• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing production scheduling, reducing lead times, and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
• Implement best practices in production scheduling and capacity planning using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies.

Risk Management:

• Identify and manage risks to production timelines, including equipment failure, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, or material shortages.
• Develop contingency plans to ensure on-time delivery and minimum downtime in the event of disruptions.
  
  

Compliance & Quality Control:

• Ensure that production scheduling adheres to regulatory requirements and aerospace industry quality standards, such as AS9100 and other applicable certifications.
• Support quality control teams by integrating quality inspections and testing into production timelines.

Key Competencies:

• Multisite production scheduling expertise.
• Strong decision-making and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage tight deadlines.
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Ability to adapt and drive change in dynamic environments.

Work Environment: This role typically involves working in an office environment with frequent interactions across different aerospace manufacturing sites. Some travel between facilities may be required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. A master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM or CSCP) is a preferred.
• 5 years of experience in production control, scheduling, or supply chain management, preferably in the aerospace or high-mix manufacturing industries.
• Experience managing production across multiple facilities or plants preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and develop effective production schedules.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry regulations and quality standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.