Master Planner

Position Summary

The Master Planner is responsible for aligning solar module manufacturing output with the company's utility-scale solar project portfolio. This role develops and manages the integrated production, material, and capacity plan to ensure factory operations meet project schedules, commercial operation dates (CODs), and strategic deployment goals.

As the primary link between Project Development, EPC, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Finance, the Master Planner ensures manufacturing capacity and material availability are optimized to support reliable project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Capacity Planning

• Develop and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS).
• Translate project demand forecasts into executable manufacturing plans.
• Balance factory capacity against project delivery requirements.
• Manage short-, medium-, and long-term capacity planning.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend solutions to maximize throughput.

Demand & Supply Planning

• Convert utility project schedules into module production requirements.
• Maintain a rolling 12-24 month manufacturing forecast.
• Coordinate material requirements for cells, glass, frames, encapsulants, backsheet, junction boxes, and other key components.
• Monitor supply risks and implement mitigation plans.

Integrated Business Planning

• Lead monthly demand, supply, and capacity reviews.
• Align project development, EPC, procurement, and manufacturing priorities.
• Develop scenario analyses to support executive decision-making.
• Communicate production constraints, risks, and recovery plans.

Inventory & Logistics

• Establish inventory targets to support project schedules.
• Optimize working capital while maintaining material readiness.
• Coordinate module deliveries with project construction schedules.
• Minimize storage and logistics costs through efficient planning.

Performance Management

Track and improve:

• Production Schedule Attainment
• Capacity Utilization
• Material Availability
• Inventory Turns
• Forecast Accuracy
• On-Time Project Delivery

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in:

• Supply Chain Management
• Operations Management
• Industrial Engineering
• Business Administration
• Related field

Preferred:

• APICS CPIM or CSCP
• MBA

Experience

• 5+ years of planning, supply chain, or manufacturing experience.
• 2+ years in a Master Planner or senior production planning role.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, etc.).
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and data analysis tools.

Preferred Experience

• Solar module manufacturing
• Utility-scale solar projects
• Renewable energy supply chains
• Contract or toll manufacturing environments

Key Competencies

• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Capacity Planning
• Inventory Optimization
• S&OP / Integrated Business Planning
• Supply Chain Risk Management
• Financial & Analytical Skills
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Executive Communication
• Continuous Improvement

Success Measures

• 95% Production Schedule Attainment
• 98% Material Availability
• High forecast accuracy across project demand plans
• Improved inventory efficiency and working capital performance
• Consistent on-time delivery of modules to utility project sites

Ideal Candidate

A strategic planner with strong manufacturing and supply chain expertise who can synchronize dedicated solar module manufacturing capacity with a multi-gigawatt utility project portfolio, ensuring reliable project execution, efficient inventory management, and optimal utilization of manufacturing assets.