Operations Planning Specialist

About HighRes HighRes designs and builds advanced robotic systems and laboratory automation devices used by pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as leading academic research institutions. Our technology accelerates critical scientific workflows including drug discovery, high-throughput genotyping, siRNA screening, next-generation sequencing sample preparation, biorepository management, and molecular diagnostics. Our modular, flexible, and highly configurable systems enable researchers to innovate faster and achieve breakthrough scientific results.

Operations Planning Specialist (Level II) We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented Operations Planning Specialist to join our expanding operations team. In this role, you will be responsible for building and maintaining an optimized, dependable production schedule that balances sales forecasts, material availability, and manufacturing capacity to keep operations running smoothly and customers satisfied.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in production planning within complex manufacturing settings, combining sharp analytical skills with the ability to lead across teams and drive continuous improvement. You'll develop schedules and workflows, anticipate potential bottlenecks or risks, and adjust plans proactively to keep production on track. This position requires someone who can think strategically, solve problems with data, and stay hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Reporting to the Product/Device Planning Manager , this individual will collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Service, and other key stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of our production strategy.

Key Responsibilities Production Planning & Scheduling Excellence

• Develop, release, and manage manufacturing work orders in alignment with MRP requirements using the Microsoft D365 ERP platform
• Partner with Production Managers to create and adjust detailed production schedules to meet shifting priorities, customer demand, and operational constraints.
• Monitor WIP status, identify bottlenecks or variances, and drive timely resolution of production or material issues

Material Coordination & Shortage Management

• Track and mitigate material shortages by collaborating closely with Purchasing to expedite critical components and confirm supplier commitments.
• Perform production receipts, work order closeout, and stock transactions; ensure inventory records are accurate and audit ready
• Coordinate and manage third-party vendor production schedules to align with in-house manufacturing needs, ensuring lead times and material forecasts stay synchronized to avoid delays or shortages

Data Integrity, ECO & BOM Management

• Implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and ensure production is aligned to the correct revision levels
• Partner with Engineering and Technicians to investigate and resolve BOM inaccuracies and non-conforming material issues through the MRB process

Customer Order Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Service, Warehouse, and fellow Planners to ensure all customer orders are fulfilled on time and with the highest level of accuracy.
• Regularly review open order reports and drive actions that keep commitments on track
• Track progress against key milestones, flagging risks early and keeping stakeholders informed to support timely decision-making

Continuous Improvement & Lean Initiatives

• Champion Lean and ISO9001 principles to enhance planning accuracy, inventory health, material flow, and overall operational efficiency.
• Identify planning process gaps, propose improvements, and support cross-functional CI projects that elevate performance across the site
• Knowledge of Lean tools including Kaizen and Poka-Yoke, with the ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement error-proofing solutions

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing supply chain, production planning, or materials management, preferably in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume environment
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field preferred (equivalent experience considered)
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, with strong hands-on experience in Microsoft D365 (or similar enterprise-level MRP systems)
• Strong understanding of multi-level BOMs, inventory control practices, and planning parameters (safety stock, lead times, lot sizing, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP), with the ability to analyze data and build planning tools as needed
• Experience working within ISO9001, Lean, and continuous-improvement cultures
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and make sound decisions.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach—able to take ownership while thriving in a team-driven environment
• Preferred Qualifications: APICS CPIM certification

Salary Range: $85,000-$100,000