What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Planner position at Ocean Power Technologies Inc?
About Ocean Power Technologies:
Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT), provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V® autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and marine robotics services. The Company’s headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey and has an additional office in Richmond, California. To learn more, visit www.OceanPowerTechnologies.com.
About the Role:
The Production Planner is responsible for coordination and optimizing the production schedule to ensure efficient workflow, timely delivery of products, and optimal use of resources. This role requires close collaboration with production, supply chain, procurement, and engineering to balance demand and capacity, minimize production delays, and enhance overall efficiency.
Responsibilities:
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain production schedules to meet customer demands and inventory targets.
- Collaborate with production supervisors, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve scheduling conflicts.
- Communicate production plans, priorities, and changes to all relevant departments.
- Work closely with sales and customer service to provide updates on production timelines and potential delays.
- Analyze production capacity and allocate resources effectively
- Adjust schedules as necessary to accommodate delays, material shortages, or equipment issues.
- Ensure work orders are released in a timely manner for efficient production flow
Inventory & Materials Management
- Coordinate with procurement and inventory teams to ensure materials and components are available as needed.
- Work with engineering and documentation control to generate Bills of Materials for kitting.
- Monitor inventory levels and prevent shortages of overstock situations
- Support just-in-time (JIT) and learn manufacturing principles to reduce waste and costs.
Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
- Track production performance, efficiency, and adherence to schedules.
- Identify bottlenecks and suggest process improvements to enhance productivity.
- Utilize MRP systems for planning and reporting purposes
- Support company policies and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business or a related field
- 2-5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or a related field in a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in MRP systems Odoo, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc)
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and inventory control techniques.
- Knowledge of production processes, capacity planning and workflow optimization.
- Must be a US citizen.
Soft Skills:
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work cross-functionally.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
- Attention to detail and strong organization skills.
- Experience in ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 and practical machining a plus
Ocean Power Technologies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
