Production Planner/Scheduler

Position Summary

As a key member of the Planning Team, the Production Planner/Scheduler is responsible for developing and executing short-, mid-, and long-term production and purchasing plans to ensure reliable, cost-effective, and compliant product supply. This role supports manufacturing operations by managing PM scheduling, material availability, production scheduling, and inventory control, while collaborating with cross-functional teams including Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Distribution. The ideal candidate will thrive in both established and startup environments, demonstrating flexibility, innovation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

(Near-term) Responsibilities in a Startup Environment

In a startup environment, the Production Planner/Scheduler will adapt quickly to changes, lead in developing and optimizing new processes, and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, managing inventory and resources efficiently, and troubleshooting unexpected challenges. The Production Planner/Scheduler will also contribute to scaling production processes, participate in diverse tasks to support the dynamic needs of the startup, and ensure the sustainability and scalability of all procedures as the company grows. Specific activities would include FAT, SAT, CQV, media fills and engineering runs that lead to stability batches. The successful candidate will need to be flexible to perform activities outside of the standard requirements in order to assist other departments during scale up of staffing and processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain production schedules for equipment, instruments, reagents, and consumables.
• Schedule preventative maintenance and calibrations planning.
• Analyze MRP data to ensure production levels align with sales forecasts and inventory targets.
• Prepare and manage short- and long-term purchasing plans (6-24 months).
• Monitor and adjust safety stock levels and inventory models to optimize material flow.
• Support shipping of instruments to external calibration labs.

Procurement & Inventory Management

• Initiate and approve purchase orders; manage vendor relationships and supply risks.
• Maintain inventory levels within site objectives and lead disposition of distressed inventory.
• Collaborate with Global Procurement and Sourcing to ensure continuity of supply.
• Support material creation, extension and data changes within SAP.
• Ensure we have the Spare Parts and any resources for the execution of calibrations and preventive maintenance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to ensure BOM accuracy, timely material release, and cost-effective operations.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and site transfer initiatives.
• Act as liaison between internal teams and external suppliers to align on production and quality standards.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Utilize Lean, Right First Time (RFT), and Operational Excellence methodologies to improve processes.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate master data in SAP and support continuous improvement initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering (Preferred), Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Supply Chain with experience in production planning and materials management.
• Experience in biotech or pharmaceutical manufacturing highly preferred.
• Background in Industrial Engineering highly preferred.
• Experience with managing Preventative Maintenance scheduling within SAP preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in SAP required; S4 Hana & Ariba Preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• APICS certification (CPIM) preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with occasional work on the production floor.
• May require use of PPE (e.g., safety shoes, eye protection).
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, or holidays as needed.

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.

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