Director Production Planning Jobs in Reading, PA

Ariston Group is a global leader in sustainable thermal comfort that offers a unique, extensive range of solutions for climate comfort, water heating and air handling, as well as components and burners. Listed on Euronext Milan since November 2021, in 2024 the group reported over 2.6-billion-euro revenues, with over 10,000 employees, direct presence in 40 countries in 5 continents, 28 production sites and 28 research and development centers. The group demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through the development of renewable and high efficiency solutions, such as heat pumps, water heating heat pumps, hybrids, domestic ventilation, air handling and solar thermal systems. The group also stands out for its continuous investment in technological innovation, digitalization, and advanced connectivity solutions. The group operates under global strategic brands Ariston, Elco and Wolf, and brands such as Calorex, NTI, HTP, Atag, Brink, Chromagen, Racold, as well as Thermowatt and Ecoflam in the components and burners business.
 

Production Planning:
   Develop and manage the Master Production Schedule (MPS) to ensure 100% on-time delivery while optimizing factory utilization.
   Translate demand forecasts and sales orders into daily, weekly, and monthly production plans.
   Balance production capacity with demand, identifying bottlenecks and proposing solutions (e.g., overtime, outsourcing, or equipment shifts).
   Participate in Central Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings and lead internal in-plant ones, acting as the primary link between Sales, Production, and Finance.
   Monitor production progress against the plan and proactively adjust schedules to mitigate delays.

Raw Material & Inventory Strategy:
   Develop and maintain raw material planning strategies aligned with production schedules and forecasts.
   Analyze material requirements based on BOMs (Bill of Materials), production plans, and inventory levels.
   Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock (Safety Stock levels) without overstocking or shortages.
   Identify and mitigate risks related to material availability, quality, and lead times.
   Define ideal logistics parameters such as MOQ, LT, delivery frequency based on commonality and annual volumes.

Supply Chain & Logistics Coordination:
   Collaborate with procurement, suppliers and warehouse team to define best containerization (primary, secondary and tertiary packaging) and collect essential details for PFEP (plan for every part).
   Escalate critical materials to procurement in order to ensure timely ordering and delivery of materials from suppliers.
   Acting as a go-between for suppliers, customs brokers and authorities. Preparing, checking or providing all necessary import and export documents to custom brokers, while ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
   Organize and track transportation activities, managing the logistical and administrative aspects of shipping from origin to destination.
   Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure proper material handling and storage.
Strategic Analysis & Continuous Improvement:
   Evaluate supplier performance and support sourcing decisions for key raw materials (e.g., steel, copper, insulation).
   Drive continuous improvement initiatives in both material planning and production scheduling processes (Lean, Six Sigma).
   Utilize and update material master data in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for end-to-end planning, tracking, and reporting.
   Prepare and analyze complex KPI reports (e.g., Plan vs. Actual, OEE "Overall Equipment Effectiveness" support, Inventory Turns, OTIF "On time - In full").

Type and level of education: VI level vocational education, logistics, economic or technical orientation or IV SSS with at least five years in the same or similar position
Work experience: at least two years in similar or same role; 
Other conditions: English language, computer skills, experience in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)  
Direct responsibility: Logistic Manager

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