Sr. Production Planning Manager

Role overview

Sr. Production Planning Manager at Merck

Responsibilities

• Work Your Magic with us!
• Develop and maintain the weekly rolling Master Production Schedule (MPS) for all SKUs.
• Conduct Rough-Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) to identify bottleneck constraints and support production commitments.
• Monitor and analyse Schedule Adherence; identify root causes and coordinate corrective actions.
• Track capacity utilisation (RCCP Loading %) and report to site management. 3.
• Coordinate the monthly supply review process; prepare supply-demand netting, order status, and inventory summary for cross-functional discussion.
• Track and follow up on actions agreed in supply review meetings; ensure timely closure of open items.
• Maintain alignment between supply plan and downstream stakeholders including Trading SC, Warehouse, QC, and Customer Service. 4.
• Coordinate resolution of backlog orders and surplus materials in alignment with relevant stakeholders.
• Work with Finance to ensure inventory targets are aligned with site financial objectives. 5.
• Support NPI product introductions by confirming material and capacity readiness prior to launch.
• Develop the local planning team's capability in system usage (SAP MM/PP/SD, APO/IBP) and planning methodology.
• Ensure planning platforms and dashboards are actively maintained and used as decision-support tools.

Required qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Chemistry, or a related discipline; or equivalent professional experience.
• 10 to 15 years in production planning, supply planning, or manufacturing planning within the chemical or life science industries, managing complex, multi-SKU portfolios.
• MRP / MPS: Strong command of Material Requirements Planning and Master Production Scheduling; proven ability to translate demand plans into executable manufacturing schedules.
• SAP proficiency: Hands-on experience with SAP ERP / S/4HANA, SAP APO, or SAP IBP; able to manage planning parameters, BOM/Routing validation, and system data independently.
• Data & analytics: Advanced Microsoft Excel; experience with Power BI or equivalent tools for data visualisation and KPI reporting.
• Analytical thinking: Ability to analyse demand patterns, model capacity scenarios, and identify root causes of supply or inventory issues using data.
• Business acumen: Understanding of P&L impact, cash-flow implications of inventory, and customer service priorities; able to connect planning decisions to business outcomes.
• Capability building: Experience coaching or developing planning teams; able to establish structured ways of working and build team accountability.
• Cross-functional communication: Clear and effective communicator across functions; able to present supply risks and recovery options to operational and senior management audiences.
• Continuous improvement: Familiarity with Lean or operational excellence methodologies; track record of improving planning accuracy, schedule adherence, and inventory performance.

Employment details

• Location: Jigani, India.
• Location: Bangalore [Karnataka] [India]

Benefits

• Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics.
• We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.
• We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology.
• We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace.
• Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!
• Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

Additional role details

• Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more?
• We know you’ve got big plans – so do we!
• Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet.
• That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.
• Your Role.
• This role is responsible for the end-to-end production planning process at the Jigani manufacturing site.
• The Production Planning Manager translates demand signals and customer orders into executable manufacturing schedules, coordinates material availability and capacity utilization, and maintains cross-functional alignment across Supply Chain, Production, Procurement, Warehouse, Quality, Engineering, Logistics, and Customer Service to support on-time delivery and inventory performance targets.
• Key Accountability Area. 1.
• Master Production Scheduling & Material Planning.
• Run MRP reviews; align procurement plans and supplier lead times to ensure material availability prior to scheduled production.
• Own SAP PP planning parameters (lot sizing, safety stock, lead times) and master data accuracy (BOM, Routing, Material Master).
• Manage APO / IBP data flow; ensure data integrity and timely updates. 2.
• Capacity Planning & Schedule Adherence.
• Incorporate maintenance shutdown windows and engineering changeovers into the production schedule.
• Supply Review & Cross-functional Planning Alignment.
• Establish NPI planning checkpoints (material confirmation and capacity confirmation) prior to new product introduction.
• Inventory Strategy & Aging / E&O Management.
• Monitor site inventory health; track aging inventory and Excess & Obsolescence (E&O) status.
• Define safety stock levels and buffer strategies to balance service level with inventory cost.
• Cross-functional Coordination & Stakeholder Communication.
• Serve as the planning interface between Commercial, Production, Procurement, Warehouse, Quality, and Logistics.
• Communicate supply risks, capacity constraints, and recovery plans to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and provide planning input to support business decisions. 6.
• Team Development & Process Improvement.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase planning accuracy, schedule adherence, and inventory performance.
• Establish clear accountabilities, issue-tracking practices, and follow-up discipline within the planning team.
• Who You Are.