Production Planning Principal

Job Description

Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere. 
 
This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels—we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you! 
 
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area. 

This role focuses on creating, managing and executing production plans, from customer demand through order delivery, and ensuring seamless coordination of materials and workflow. The ideal candidate will excel in both planning and operational execution, enabling the plant to achieve efficiency and on-time delivery of high-quality solar panels.

Customer Demand and Production Planning Management:

1. Collaborate with Finance, Legal, and the customers on sales pipeline and demand planning and management.

2. Support the Planning Manager to develop production plan scenarios based on the demand, capacity, and priorities for decision-making, and to prepare relevant materials for Illuminate Monthly S&OP meetings.

3. Work with the Planning Manager to create and maintain the Master Production Schedule (MPS). Develop and organize monthly and weekly production plans, ensuring alignment with business goals.

4. Review and confirm product delivery schedules and specific requirements, ensuring feasibility and accuracy.

5. Balance and coordinate production schedules to optimize resources and meet delivery deadlines.

Production Plan Execution:

1. Create and manage work orders based on production schedule and review and balance incoming work orders.

2. Issue and distribute production task orders to relevant departments.

3. Coordinate production materials and monitor their availability to ensure on-time production.

4. Monitor work order progress and closely oversee the final stages of production to ensure successful order completion.

5. Participate in and facilitate production planning meetings, including organizing discussions, preparing agendas, and distributing meeting minutes.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:

1. Collaborate with supply chain and inventory teams to manage material requirements and avoid disruptions in production.

2. Analyze production capacity and identify bottlenecks, proposing solutions to maintain workflow efficiency.

3. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production performance like WIPs, work order closures, and rework.

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Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree required in Production Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.

2. 7+ years of experience in demand planning, production planning or workshop coordination, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

3. Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

4. Proficiency in production planning software and tools (e.g., ERP systems).

5. Experience and proficiency in building and maintaining complex planning models.

6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across teams and departments.

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward. 

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.