Assistant Manager - Planning - Stretchline Holdings Biyagama

About the job

Assistant Manager - Planning

Purpose:

Responsible for supporting the planning function to ensure production schedules align with customer orders, capacity, and efficiency targets. Essential to monitor & analyze the execution of production plans & recommend adjustments to meet delivery deadlines, minimize bottlenecks, and improve utilization whilst working closely with cross-functional teams — production, supply chain, quality, industrial engineering, and sales & marketing to ensure seamless flow from order to finished goods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop & maintain the master production schedule (MPS) based on customer orders, forecasts, and capacity.

• Generate sub-plans (weekly/daily) for different production areas (cutting, sewing, finishing, etc.).

• Work with HODs to translate the plan into actionable tasks.

• Assess plant capacity (machines, manpower, shifts) to determine realistic production targets.

• Forecast capacity needs and highlight constraints (e.g., machine downtime, labour shortage).

• Track actual production progress vs. plan.

• Identify deviations (e.g., shortfalls, delays) and lead root-cause analysis.

• Propose corrective actions, re-plan when necessary, and communicate changes to stakeholders.

• Monitor key performance metrics: utilization, efficiency, yield, downtime.

• Work with industrial engineering (IE) or process improvement teams to implement productivity improvements (lean, work-study, SMV, line balancing).

• Support lean initiatives to reduce waste, optimize workflow, and improve lead times.

• Coordinate with supply chain/procurement to ensure material availability aligns with the production plan.

• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods relevant to the planning function.

• Contribute to short-term and long-term forecasting (demand planning), based on sales, customer inputs, and historical data.

• Work with the merchandising/sales team to update demand forecasts and integrate them into production planning.

• Liaise with quality, production, IE, maintenance, and supply chain teams to align planning with real-time constraints.

• Participate in pre-production meetings and weekly planning reviews.

• Prepare production plan reports, capacity utilization reports, efficiency analysis, and forecast variance reports.

• Maintain records: production plans, capacity assessments, deviation logs, etc.

• Provide data and insights for management decision-making.

• Lead or support planning-related continuous improvement projects.

• Implement best practices in planning tools, ERP, or planning systems.

• Train or mentor junior planners or planning executives.

• Identify risks in the production plan (e.g., supply delays, machine breakdowns) and develop mitigation plans.

• Develop contingency plans for demand spikes or capacity constraints.

Qualifications and Experience:

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Textile Engineering / Technology, Industrial Engineering, Clothing Technology, Operations Management, or similar.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 4–6 years in planning, production control, or operations in a manufacturing environment (preferably textile or apparel).

• Experience with planning tools / ERP systems, capacity planning, and work study.

• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles, time-motion studies, or continuous improvement projects.

• Experience with ERP or specialized planning software.

• Good understanding of textile/apparel manufacturing processes (knitting, sewing, finishing, etc.).

Personal Characteristics / Behaviour:

• Analytical Skills: Strong quantitative skills, ability to analyze data, forecast demand, and evaluate capacity.

• Production & Process Knowledge: Good understanding of textile/apparel manufacturing processes (knitting, sewing, finishing, etc.).

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to coordinate across functions and communicate plan changes.

• Decision Making: Make quick decisions when deviations occur, propose realistic re-plan strategies.

• Leadership / Coaching: Lead a small team (planners, executives), mentor, and build capability.

• Time Management: Manage multiple planning horizons (monthly, weekly, daily) and shifting priorities.

• Risk & Problem-Solving: Identify risks proactively and propose mitigation; solve planning bottlenecks.