Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s increasingly digital world, the role of a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager has become crucial.

As business operations evolve and become more complex, the need for skilled professionals who can efficiently manage production planning and inventory control is more critical than ever.

But let’s dig a little deeper: What is truly expected from a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of production planning and inventory control,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Production Planning and Inventory Control Managers are tasked with overseeing the production process and ensuring that inventory levels are maintained in an effective manner.

They play a crucial role in manufacturing operations by ensuring that the production line operates smoothly and efficiently, whilst maintaining inventory control.

The duties and responsibilities of a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager include:

• Coordinating and planning production schedules to meet customer demands and optimize production efficiency
• Overseeing inventory control processes to ensure accurate and timely management of all inventories
• Developing and implementing inventory control systems and practices
• Analyzing production data, including production rates, product types, and inventory levels
• Ensuring that health and safety regulations are followed in the production process
• Coordinating with sales, supply chain and warehouse teams to ensure the accuracy of inventory
• Identifying and resolving production and supply chain issues to prevent any disruption in production
• Monitoring and adjusting schedules to meet production requirements
• Implementing strategies for stock control, and establishing procedures for maintaining accurate records
• Developing and implementing strategies for cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and process optimization

 

Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager to oversee and improve our company’s production planning and inventory control operations.

This role involves overseeing the production process, coordinating all production activities, and maintaining control of inventory levels to ensure the smooth and cost-efficient flow of our production operations.

The successful candidate should have an in-depth knowledge of production procedure and inventory control, strong planning skills, and ability to multitask.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the production planning and scheduling process to maximize productivity and minimize cost
• Coordinate production workflow for one or multiple products
• Plan and prioritize operations to ensure maximum performance and minimum delay
• Monitor jobs to ensure they will finish on time and within budget
• Address issues when they arise aiming for minimum disruption
• Control inventory levels and ensure availability of material during emergencies
• Prepare and submit status and performance reports
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
• Liaise with and manage relationships with vendors and suppliers
• Collaborate with quality control, warehouse, and other staff

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a production planner or inventory control manager
• Experience in MRP (Manufacturing resource planning)
• Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems
• Good at math and statistics
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication abilities
• BSc/Ba in business administration, logistics or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting and manufacturing plant. Some travel may be required for vendor and supplier visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Operations.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Do?

A Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager, often found within manufacturing and distribution industries, is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the planning and execution of production schedules and inventory control.

They are in charge of ensuring the right amount of raw materials, components, and finished products are available at the right time to meet production demands and customer needs.

Their role involves forecasting future inventory requirements, analyzing production specifications and plant capacity data, and performing mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, tools, and human resource requirements.

The Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager is responsible for coordinating with various departments such as purchasing, production, and logistics to ensure a smooth workflow and timely delivery of products.

They also monitor inventory levels and production progress, making adjustments as necessary to address potential issues such as delays, shortages, or excess stock.

This role often requires the use of specialized software systems to track inventory and production, as well as strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to effectively manage and optimize the company’s production and inventory activities.

Additionally, they are responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and maintaining documentation of production and inventory activities.

 

Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Strong understanding of supply chain processes and their interdependencies.
• Knowledge of inventory management and control principles, strategies, and best practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address inventory discrepancies, inefficiencies, and production issues.
• Strong leadership and team management skills to effectively coordinate and oversee the work of production planning and inventory control staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with other departments, present reports, and facilitate meetings.
• Proficiency in utilizing inventory and production planning software and technologies.
• Ability to develop and implement inventory control programs and production strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage large amounts of inventory, schedules, and information.
• Financial acumen to understand and interpret data related to inventory costs, production expenses, and budgeting.

 

Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Experience Requirements

The Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager role is a complex one that requires a solid foundation in supply chain management, inventory control, and production planning.

For this role, it is expected that candidates will have at least 5 to 7 years of experience in similar roles.

Entry-level experience for this role usually entails positions in the supply chain, such as Inventory Analyst or Production Planner.

These roles provide valuable experience in managing inventory levels, evaluating suppliers, and coordinating production processes.

After gaining some years of experience and demonstrating proficiency in managing supply chain processes, candidates can progress to roles such as Senior Production Planner or Inventory Control Supervisor.

These roles require more strategic thinking, as they involve long-term planning, risk management, and coordination with other departments.

Candidates with more than 7 years of experience in these or similar roles are usually considered for the Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager position.

By this point, they should have a deep understanding of supply chain management, production planning, and inventory control principles.

In addition, they are expected to have demonstrated leadership skills, as the role involves managing a team and coordinating with other departments.

Some employers may also require a relevant certification, such as Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

 

Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Education and Training Requirements

A Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager usually holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, industrial engineering, logistics, or a related field.

They should have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and inventory control principles.

Knowledge in using inventory management software and planning tools is also a must-have skill for this role.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in operations or supply chain management, which provides advanced training in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, customer demand management, and inventory control.

In addition to the formal education, relevant work experience in production planning and inventory control is often required.

Professional certification such as the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) from The Association for Operations Management or the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from The American Production and Inventory Control Society is also advantageous.

These certifications indicate that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as a commitment to professional development.

Continued learning through workshops and training programs to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in production planning and inventory control is also beneficial.

 

Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager is $81,079 (USD) per year.

However, this may fluctuate depending on factors such as the industry of employment, years of experience, educational qualifications, and geographical location.

 

Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager need?

Production Planning and Inventory Control Managers should possess strong organizational and analytical skills, as they will need to efficiently manage and track inventory while anticipating future demands.

They also need excellent communication and leadership skills to effectively coordinate with various departments and manage their team.

Knowledge of supply chain management, familiarity with inventory management software, and a keen attention to detail are also crucial for this role.

 

Do Production Planning and Inventory Control Managers need a degree?

Typically, employers require a bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics, or a related field.

However, substantial work experience in production planning, inventory management or a related field may be considered in lieu of a degree.

For higher level positions, a master’s degree in business administration or supply chain management may be preferred.

 

What should you look for in a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager resume?

The candidate’s resume should demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.

Look for experience in managing inventory, implementing inventory control systems, and coordinating with other departments for production planning.

Knowledge of supply chain management and relevant software tools is also valuable.

Certifications such as Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) can be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager?

A good Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager should have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions quickly.

They should be adept at managing teams and have excellent communication skills to coordinate across departments.

They should also have a keen eye for detail to maintain accurate inventory records and an understanding of market trends to plan production effectively.

 

What are the daily duties of a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager?

On a typical day, a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager might review inventory levels and production schedules, coordinate with different departments to align on production plans, and manage any issues that arise in the inventory control process.

They may also analyze supply chain data to forecast future inventory needs and implement strategies to optimize inventory control and production planning.

Regular meetings with team members, suppliers, and other stakeholders might also be part of their daily routine.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager?

Hiring a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager can be challenging, as it requires finding a candidate with the right blend of analytical, leadership, and communication skills.

They should also have relevant experience and knowledge about production planning and inventory control.

Offering competitive salaries and demonstrating opportunities for career advancement can help attract top talent for this role.

 

Conclusion

And there it is.

Today, we’ve pulled back the veil on what it truly means to be a Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing stock levels.

It’s about orchestrating the dance of supply and demand, one product at a time.

Armed with our definitive Production Planning and Inventory Control Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But, why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool to craft precise job listings or polish your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every product managed is a cog in the larger machinery.

Let’s ensure seamless operations. Together.