Sr Associate II, Production Planning

Alcon•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Associate II, Production Planning (Professional Path), is part of Alcon's Supply Chain function and is primarily responsible for maintaining material schedules and availability to support production control. The role compiles records, supports material flow, addresses shortages, and performs specialized tasks and independent research to optimize outcomes. It requires advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and self-direction. The position helps ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations while balancing inventory and service-level objectives. It tracks production progress, reports schedule status, communicates material changes and shortages, and coordinates corrective actions to prevent disruptions. The role also supports compliance with GxP regulations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), documentation requirements, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent directly related experience; alternatively, high school education plus 10 years of experience, an associate degree plus 6 years, or a master’s degree with 0 years.
Two years of relevant experience.
Ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating work, materials, projects, or technical activities across functions such as manufacturing, engineering, quality, procurement, logistics, or operations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including evaluating data, identifying constraints or risks, and recommending practical solutions.
Ability to manage changing priorities based on business needs or constraints, meet deadlines, and independently drive assigned work to completion.
Experience investigating shortages, process gaps, schedule concerns, or operational issues and coordinating timely corrective actions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clearly communicating status, risks, changes, and required actions to stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to learn business systems for maintaining records, analyzing information, and preparing status reports.
Experience in a regulated or procedure-driven environment, with a focus on documentation accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Maintain schedules for material requirements and availability to support production control.
Help ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations while balancing inventory and service-level objectives.
Compile and maintain accurate records of the quantity, cost, and type of materials received, shipped, in stock, or in production.
Coordinate the flow of materials, parts, and assemblies within or between departments according to production and shipping schedules.
Identify possible and actual shortages and initiate corrective action.
Expedite critical materials and coordinate repairs, replacements, or transportation activities to prevent production disruptions.
Track production progress, generate schedule status reports, and communicate material changes, shortages, and schedule modifications to key stakeholders.
Perform specialized tasks and conduct independent research to optimize outcomes.
Make decisions within the scope of assigned tasks using advanced knowledge and analytical skills.
Follow GxP regulations and SOPs, maintain accurate and complete documentation, and support rigorous quality control.
Complete required training, meet individual job requirements, and contribute to organizational compliance and continuous improvement.