Production Planning Manager - API

The Master Planner will lead the planning function for APICOM, the newest API manufacturing site being built in Ireland by Astrazeneca.

This person is responsible for translating the master production schedule into a detailed schedule, ensuring on time availability of product and efficient use of resources.

The Master Planner will be a key stakeholder in medium/Long term planning working in collaboration with Operations and Supply Chain. He will be owning the API manufacturing capacity plan.

The Master Planner will ensure with his team that all materials are available and compliant for commercial and/or clinical products in accordance with cGMP, Corporate and Regulatory requirements.

He will drive continuous improvement of both short and long short-terms processes – ensuring site level strategic focus on capacity loading and product mix.

He will act as Business process owner for SAP Planning and Material management process Processes related to API manufacturing.

This key role must ensure effective interaction with the Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Tech Services, Procurement and Quality departments regarding material, BDS and DP availability for use in the production schedule in a timely manner to allow manufacturing targets to be delivered.

Principal Responsibilities

• Produce Schedules/ Plans incorporating capacity analysis for API manufacturing processes to meet schedules while maintaining a high level of GMP compliance and being cost efficient.

• Capacity planning, materials management/flow production scheduling, inventory control and Storage capacity planning.

• Work with Warehouse to understand storage capacity of the warehouse and integrate new materials in a capacity analysis across each of the different storage areas.

• Developing business processes to consolidate reporting of forecasts, demand and capacity

• Support the creation of capacity plans based on the latest supply plans and where there are potential bottlenecks or risks to supply and to develop and recommend appropriate proposals to mitigate and to ensure that the plant can meet the future demand. Also identify where there is significant underutilization which could impact the costs of supply.
• Tracking of the execution of the supply plan with production scheduling ensuring that the plan is fully operationalized and tracked for performance deviation including mitigation on back orders and pro-active communication of future supply risks.
• Ensuring within the supply plan that products are being phased in and planned correctly as well as ensuring communication and timing of exiting products within the plant.
• Liaise directly with all elements of the manufacturing process, (Supply Chain, Warehouse, Engineering, Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)) to monitor, report, and drive schedule adherence to the plan.
• Consistently deliver agreed service levels internally and to external customers
• Support Raw Materials and SAP Process teams - identify problems, recommend process improvements, and work with the team on resolutions.
• Master Data Management - Partner / Collaborate with Master Data Management re the enhancement of knowledge with respect to material and production master data and associated processes
• Communicate operational status regularly to plant management at the appropriate level of detail. Communications will be both written documents, and in formal and informal oral presentations.
• Help drive key performance indicators, efficiently utilise manufacturing resources, participates in the Sales and Operations planning process to develop mid to long range operating plans.
• Creation and implementation of Site Bill of materials and creation of Process orders in line with the companies monthly forecast.
• Develops own project management techniques 
• Applies analytical skills to evaluate and interpret complex situations/problems using multiple sources of information
• May be responsible for specific programs and/or projects
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas needing improvement, recommending strategies for improvement, and implementing those strategies once approved
• Assists with the preparation of project plans and manages projects to successful and timely completion. Provides expertise to the team and functional areas to anticipate and identify complex project issues which pose a challenge to achieving strategic goals.
• Manage Audit preparation ensuring the manufacturing schedule facilitates all requests.
• Write and support Change controls, deviations and CAPA’s.
• Embrace Alexion Core Competencies.

 Qualifications

• 3 - 5 Years of Experience
• Proficient in use of ERP/SAP database systems.
• Minimum of 3 years planning experience in an MRP environment.
• Understanding of cGMP and raw material planning requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Customer service oriented, self -directed, responsible, and able to work on problems involving various cross-functional groups.
• Ability to drive for results independently and adapt to rapidly changing priorities. Demonstrated ability to expedite and drive schedule adherence on an ongoing basis
• 3rd level qualification in Business, Materials Management, Operations or Supply Chain Management/Logistics or other equivalent such as APICS qualification.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.