Lead, Production Planner

SUPPLY CHAIN 

Rocket Lab’s Supply Chain team is responsible for the flow of all materials, products, and components through the business. With many of our own products functioning as critical components to our own and our customers’ missions, the Supply Chain team has a direct impact on the success of our rocket and satellite programs. They set up the assembly kits that enables our technicians to put together our Electron rockets, manage inventory, look after shipping and receiving, manage direct and indirect procurement, and inspect and ensure that all of our materials and products are compliant and up to standard. They are the chain that links our teams together, and are critical to our success. 

LEAD, PRODUCTION PLANNER 

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead Production Planner plays a crucial role in ensuring that manufacturing operations are efficient, cost-effective, and capable of meeting customer demands. This role will oversee the planning and scheduling of production operations to ensure that production targets are met on time and within budget. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Develop detailed production plans and schedules to meet customer orders and internal demand forecasts.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure raw materials and components are available as required.
• Allocate resources, including labor, machinery, and materials, effectively to maximize efficiency.
• Prepare and manage production budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and within planned levels.
• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends, issues, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular reports on production performance, including KPIs such as efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and safety.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and other best practices to streamline production processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and effective communication regarding production plans and changes.
• Serve as a key point of contact for production-related issues and communicate status updates to stakeholders.
• Ensure production processes comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and internal quality control measures. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 5+ years of experience, with at least 2 years in a people leadership position and a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years of total work experience).
• Familiarity with QMS software to ensure compliance with quality standards and to manage control processes effectively.
• Proficiency in production planning software (e.g., ERP, MRP systems) and Microsoft Office Suite.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Strong leadership and team management skills. 
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Competence in using data analytics tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar to analyze production data and generate insightful reports.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or Jira to plan, track, and manage production-related projects.
• Understanding and application of Lean methodologies and tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma to improve production efficiency and quality.
• Knowledge of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software if the role involves designing production layouts or working closely with design teams. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.