MPS Control Manager

The MPS Control Manager is responsible for leading the Master Production Scheduling (MPS) function to ensure optimal alignment between customer demand, production capacity, inventory strategies, and supply chain capabilities. This role drives the development and execution of production plans that support business objectives related to customer service, inventory health, cost management, and operational efficiency.

The position acts as a key interface between Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, and Commercial teams to balance supply and demand while mitigating risks and maximizing operational performance.

Responsibilities:

Master Production Scheduling & Planning

• Lead the development and maintenance of the Master Production Schedule (MPS) across assigned manufacturing sites or business units.
• Translate demand forecasts and customer requirements into executable production plans.
• Ensure optimal utilization of manufacturing capacity, labour, and materials.
• Manage planning horizons and scheduling parameters to maintain supply continuity.
• Balance customer service requirements with inventory and operational constraints.

Production & Inventory Control

• Monitor production performance against schedule and drive corrective actions.
• Optimize inventory levels across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Utilize inventory strategies to support service level targets while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Identify bottlenecks and capacity constraints and develop mitigation plans.

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

• Support monthly S&OP and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes.
• Provide scenario analysis and recommendations for managing demand-supply imbalances.
• Collaborate with commercial and operations teams to align business priorities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Planning, Demand Planning, Logistics, and Quality teams.
• Coordinate production priorities and resource allocation to meet customer commitments.
• Lead communication regarding supply risks, recovery plans, and schedule changes.

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and track key planning and scheduling KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning processes, inventory optimization, and service performance.
• Lead root cause analysis for demand-supply mismatches, delivery misses, and inventory deviations.
• Implement best practices in production planning and control.

Systems & Data Management

• Ensure integrity of planning master data, including lead times, BOMs, routings, and planning parameters.
• Leverage ERP/MRP systems to improve planning accuracy and responsiveness.
• Support digital transformation and planning automation initiatives.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of production schedulers, planners, and inventory controllers.
• Establish clear performance objectives and development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Experience & Skillsets:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in Supply Chain Planning, Production Planning, Manufacturing Planning, or Operations Management.
• 3+ years of leadership or people management experience.
• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong experience with S&OP, MPS, MRP, and inventory management processes.
• Proficient knowledge of MRP, material planning, inventory control, procurement processes, supplier management, BOMs, lead times, supplier commitments, planning master data, production support, and clear-to-build requirements.
• Ability to interpret system outputs, analyze shortage causes, summarize business impacts, recommend recovery actions, and communicate risks to operational stakeholders.
• Proficient understanding of high-mix manufacturing, constrained supply, complex BOM structures, long lead-time components, inventory trade-offs, supplier recovery, and clear-to-build readiness.
• Strong Excel capability required; experience with SAP S/4HANA, SAP ECC, SAP IBP, Oracle, Power BI, WMS, PLM, SAP MDG, or equivalent tools is preferred.
• Ability to assess supplier recovery options, inventory risks, planning-parameter exceptions, and lifecycle material impacts within assigned scope.
• Ability to support KPI performance reviews by interpreting material availability, shortage reduction, supplier recovery, MRP exception closure, inventory exposure, and master data quality indicators.