Senior Manufacturing Planner

Kyowa Kirin Sr. Manufacturing Planner Position

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas : bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease. A Japan-based company, our goal is to make people smile by delivering breakthroughs where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, Massachusetts, and Ontario.

The Sr. Manufacturing Planner will be responsible for developing and managing detailed production schedules to meet customer demand, ensuring efficient utilization of resources at the new Kyowa Kirin Manufacturing site in Sanford, NC. The incumbent will also be responsible for monitoring inventory levels and coordinating with various departments to optimize production flow and analyzing data to identify and implement process improvements.

As an individual contributor, you will take a compassionate and people-focused approach to your work. You will proactively collaborate with others to create a supportive and inclusive environment, always acting in line with the organization's values. By using strong interpersonal skills, you will work effectively with diverse viewpoints, manage relationships thoughtfully, and make decisions that meet both individual and team needs. You will be accountable for delivering results, adapting to challenges, and helping achieve business goals. Additionally, you will take ownership of your tasks, act with initiative, and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. You will handle change with resilience and clarity, staying flexible in a fast-paced environment while keeping the needs of patients at the center of your efforts.

This position reports to the Director of Manufacturing.

Technical Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

Production Planning and Scheduling : Create and maintain comprehensive production schedules aligned with forecasts and orders. Analyze demand patterns and adjust production plans accordingly. Allocate resources (labor, equipment, materials) efficiently to optimize production flow. Monitor production progress against the schedule and identify potential delays.

Inventory Management : Track raw material inventory levels in the ERP system and ensure timely procurement to support production needs. Manage finished goods inventory to meet delivery deadlines while minimizing excess stock. Collaborate with the procurement team to optimize inventory levels.

Data Analysis and Reporting : Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Generate reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) like lead time, on-time delivery, and production efficiency. Provide insights to management to inform decision-making.

Cross-functional Collaboration : Work closely with procurement, engineering, quality assurance, and warehouse teams to ensure smooth production operations. Communicate production plans as well as updates and escalations to relevant stakeholders. Coordinate with procurement to secure necessary materials.

Continuous Improvement : Identify and implement process improvements to optimize production efficiency and reduce costs. Propose and lead initiatives to streamline workflows and eliminate waste. Stay updated on industry trends and technologies to drive innovation in production planning.

Education

Associates degree, or Bachelors degree, in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing planning and scheduling

Experience with starting up and operating a biopharma manufacturing facility is a plus.

Technical Skills

Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data

Strong command of Microsoft Excel

Proficiency in ERP systems and production planning software. Proficiency with Microsoft D365 a plus.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and use of Standard Work is a plus

Non-Technical Skills

Results-oriented and able to navigate ambiguity, you set clear outcomes, track progress, follow through on commitments, and ensure your actions lead to measurable results that advance organizational objectives. Respond promptly, take accountability, and manage tasks efficiently. Adapt to change with clarity, patience, and understanding, guiding teams through evolving challenges. Exhibit strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid work ethic while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and the ability to foster alignment in a global environment. Communicate with care by actively listening and considering others' perspectives, fostering productive, engaging interactions, and managing relationships with kindness. Embrace personal growth through continuous learning and knowledge sharing, maintaining a growth mindset. Promote inclusive collaboration by respecting diverse perspectives and creating a welcoming work environment. Contribute positively by recognizing achievements and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. Collaborate with respect, integrity, and humility, prioritizing collective success over individual gain. Resourceful and proactive, challenge the status quo, drive innovation, and develop creative solutions. Apply an enterprise-wide, holistic mindset, working beyond siloed thinking to deliver cohesive, integrated solutions.

Initially working on a construction site and ultimately in a biotech manufacturing site in Sanford, NC.

Work is 100% on-site. This is not a hybrid or remote role.

Requires up to 5% domestic and limited international travel

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.