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Planning Manager Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

SharkNinja

Manager - Strategic Sales & Analytics

Needham, MA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

The Manager, Strategic Sales & Analytics is a strategic role responsible for driving market share ... action planning * Align cross-functional teams around strategic priorities, forecasts, and ...

Danaher

Senior Production Planner

Waltham, MA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

This position reports to the production and material planning manager and is part of the Inventory and production planning function located in Waltham MA, and will be an on-site role. In this role ...

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All JobsPlanning JobsPlanning Manager JobsPlanning Manager Jobs in Worcester, MA

Planning Manager information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$55.9K

$103K

$156.7K

How much do planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for planning manager in Worcester, MA is $102,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $116,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a planning manager?

Planning Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the planning processes within an organization, which may include strategic, operational, or project planning. They analyze data, forecast future needs, and develop plans to ensure that resources are used efficiently to meet organizational goals. Planning Managers often work with various departments, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations and standards. Their role is vital in industries such as urban development, construction, manufacturing, and business operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a planning manager?

To thrive as a Planning Manager, you need strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and experience in project management, typically supported by a related degree such as urban planning, business, or engineering. Familiarity with planning software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera), data analysis tools, and sometimes certifications like PMP are often required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for developing effective plans, coordinating teams, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.

How does a planning manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure project success?

A Planning Manager regularly works with cross-functional teams, including operations, finance, and procurement, to align project timelines, resource allocations, and deliverables. This collaboration ensures that potential bottlenecks are identified early, and adjustments can be made proactively. Effective communication and coordination are key parts of the role, as Planning Managers often facilitate meetings, provide updates, and gather input to refine project schedules. Building strong relationships across departments is essential for smooth project execution and achieving organizational goals.

What is the difference between Planning Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectPlanning ManagerProject Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees project planning, schedules, resource allocation, and strategic planningSupports project tasks, tracks progress, and assists with scheduling
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in related field, PMP or similar certification often preferredBachelor's degree, relevant certifications optional
Work EnvironmentTypically in managerial settings, coordinating with multiple teamsOften in team support roles, working closely with project teams
Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, IT, and engineeringUsed across various industries for project support roles

The Planning Manager focuses on strategic project planning and resource management, while the Project Coordinator handles day-to-day task tracking and support. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and seniority.

Is planning a good career?

A career as a planning manager involves coordinating projects, analyzing data, and developing strategies, often requiring strong organizational and communication skills. It can offer stability, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to work in various industries such as construction, logistics, or urban development. Success in this field typically depends on relevant education, experience, and proficiency with planning tools like MS Project or AutoCAD.

What do you need to be a planning manager?

A planning manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or a related field, along with several years of experience in planning, scheduling, or project management. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential, and proficiency with planning tools or software like MS Project or SAP is often required. Certifications such as PMP or APICS can enhance qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planning jobs in Worcester, MA?

The most popular types of Planning jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What job categories do people searching Planning Manager jobs in Worcester, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Planning Manager jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Planning Manager jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Planning Manager job openings:

Planning Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Planning Manager job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,994 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Operations Strategy & Planning Manager

VulcanForms

Devens, MA • On-site

$121K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About Us
Founded in 2015 to develop the world's first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.
Job Purpose
  • As a Strategy & Planning Manager at VulcanForms, Devens, MA, your main objective will be to support the design and implementation of a structured management "operating system" for executive leadership team to drive high-impact initiatives across the organization. The role also assists in strengthening cross-functional planning processes, accelerating strategic priorities, and aligning plans with broader business operations and financial planning.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and implement a company-wide management operating system (including intake, prioritization, decision rights, and escalation paths) that creates clarity on how strategy translates into funded, sequenced work.
  • Define and steward governance structures (steering committees, working groups, RACI frameworks) that ensure the right decisions are made at the right level with appropriate speed and accountability.
  • Drive portfolio-level tradeoff conversations by synthesizing competing priorities across business units and surfacing clear options and recommendations for executive decision-making.
  • Create and standardize program health metrics and reporting (OKRs, quarterly business reviews, rolling forecasts, decision frameworks) and package insights into concise, action-oriented materials for leadership.
  • Own and continuously improve cross-functional planning cadences - weekly program reviews, monthly exec updates, and quarterly planning cycles - ensuring actions, owners, and follow-through are consistently captured and resolved.
  • Develop practical resource and capacity visibility across engineering and operational teams (critical skills, bottlenecks, timing constraints) to support scenario planning and tradeoff recommendations.
  • Partner with Finance and HR Business Partners on headcount planning, workforce modeling, and the translation of strategic priorities into funded capacity.
  • Connect engineering and product program plans to broader business planning processes (readiness gates, production ramp assumptions, SIOP/IBP inputs) to drive tighter alignment between Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
  • Serve as a connective tissue role between functional leaders by identifying misalignments early, brokering resolution, and keeping the business moving without requiring executive escalation on routine coordination issues.
  • Support the development and socialization of annual and long-range strategic plans, translating leadership intent into actionable roadmaps with clear milestones and owners.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required (engineering or related field). An MBA or comparable advanced degree is preferred.
  • 3-5 years experience in hardware, industrial, manufacturing, aerospace/defense, robotics, or other complex physical product environments
  • Familiarity with planning cadences (S&OP/SIOP, program reviews, portfolio management)
  • Strong analytical toolkit (Excel/Sheets; comfort with structured problem solving; crisp synthesis)
  • Able to work cross-functionally and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical teams
  • Comfort with ambiguity and end-to-end ownership of workstreams

VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.
The annual base salary range for this position is $121,101.00 to $166,513.00

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