Capacity Planner

Smith & Nephew•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Capacity Planner 3 is a key role within the Supply Chain organization, responsible for establishing and controlling production plans to support the Master Production Schedule while ensuring alignment between demand, capacity, materials, and inventory. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to optimize labor and material utilization, manage supply and demand balance, and maintain target service levels across the global supply chain. The position requires strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to balance short-term priorities while supporting longer-term capacity planning and business objectives. Key objectives include achieving and improving customer service levels, optimizing inventory, and proactively identifying and mitigating capacity and supply risks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field
5+ years of relevant experience in production planning, capacity planning, or supply chain operations
Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills
Self-starter with the ability to work independently and respond quickly to changing priorities
Proficient in Microsoft Excel
Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred

Nice To Haves

APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) preferred or in progress

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain production plans to support the Master Production Schedule (MPS)
Perform finite capacity scheduling and analyze constraints to ensure optimal production flow
Develop and maintain capacity plans aligned with forecasted demand and production capabilities
Execute replenishment orders and adjust plans based on MRP and schedule changes
Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) queues and production feedback; take corrective action as needed
Maintain and communicate production priorities and status to shop floor and master planners
Proactively identify and escalate product and material availability risks
Ensure product availability to support customer order fulfillment
Maintain and ensure accuracy of master data for assigned product lines
Update and revise system planning parameters in SAP to support future requirements
Maintain communication with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials
Manage supplier delivery schedules within SAP and support monthly forecast communication
Monitor inventory levels, discrepancies, and non-conforming materials; take corrective action
Maintain timely resolution and rework of returned goods
Manage hold notices, recalls, and inventory-related compliance activities
Support inventory optimization, including safety stock levels and reduction initiatives
Track and support inventory performance metrics and reporting
Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) and product launch activities
Support cross-functional improvement initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, cost reduction, lead time improvements)
Assist in the development and implementation of production and inventory control policies
Support Engineering Change Requests (ECR) and initiate required system or planning updates
Complete special projects and assignments as required
Partner with Customer Service, Sales, and Product Management to support business and product strategy
Maintain strong communication with Manufacturing to confirm production and shipping schedules
Monitor open production orders to ensure on-time delivery to customers