Job Description

Production Planning & Supply Chain Manager | Skokie, IL

Build the Supply Chain Operating System

Our client is seeking an experienced Production Planning & Supply Chain Manager to build the planning discipline, supplier management processes, and operational cadence that will support the next stage of manufacturing performance.

You'll lead a team responsible for production planning, materials planning, purchasing, and strategic sourcing while creating the structure, accountability, and standard work that drives predictable manufacturing execution.

Working closely with Operations, Value Stream Management, Engineering, Sales, Finance, and Quality, you'll transform planning from a reactive function into a competitive advantage.

• Lead Production Planning, Materials Planning, Purchasing, and Strategic Sourcing
• Coach and develop a team of buyers and production planners
• Establish standard work, daily management routines, and KPI accountability
• Improve schedule attainment, on-time delivery, and material availability
• Drive supplier performance through scorecards and structured supplier management
• Improve inventory accuracy, safety stock strategy, and planning discipline
• Strengthen MRP execution and purchasing cadence
• Support S&OP by aligning supplier capacity with customer demand
• Partner cross-functionally to eliminate shortages, expedites, and backorders
• Lead continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

Success in the first year

• Establish a disciplined planning and buying operating cadence
• Build a stronger, more capable planning and purchasing team
• Improve supplier performance and accountability
• Reduce material shortages and production disruptions
• Improve inventory performance while maintaining customer service
• Create visibility through KPIs, scorecards, and standard work
• Deliver greater schedule stability through 3–5-day production planning

The ideal candidate combines strategic supply chain leadership with a hands-on manufacturing mindset

• 7+ years of manufacturing supply chain leadership experience
• Leadership experience across planning, procurement, and materials management
• Strong MRP/ERP experience (Oracle preferred)
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills
• Experience coaching buyers and planners to higher performance
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to influence Operations, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and

You will bring a broad manufacturing supply chain experience spanning production planning, materials planning, purchasing, strategic sourcing, and inventory management. You must have a demonstrated ability to improve supplier performance, support manufacturing operations, and leverage ERP/MRP systems to drive disciplined planning and execution, with experience in Oracle ERP considered a strong advantage. Experience supporting Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), developing meaningful supply chain KPIs, and applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational performance will be highly valued.

If you're the type of leader who enjoys bringing order to complexity, developing people, and building world-class supply chain processes inside a manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

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