The posting
Werfen is a growing, family-owned, innovative company founded in 1966 in Barcelona, Spain.
We are a worldwide leader in specialized diagnostics in the areas of Hemostasis, Acute Care Diagnostics, Transfusion, Autoimmunity, and Transplant. We operate directly in 30 countries, and in more than 100 territories through distributors.
Our Headquarters are in Barcelona, Spain and our Technology Centers are located in the United States and Europe. Worldwide sales exceeded €2.2 billion in 2024, and our workforce is more than 7,000 strong.
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Planning Manager, this position is responsible for Production Planning across the different manufacturing stages, from intermediate products to finished goods, considering raw materials and packaging requirements.
The main objective is to ensure an optimal production plan and stock position to fulfill customer demand On-Time In-Full (OTIF), while balancing manufacturing capacity, anticipating potential constraints and optimizing operational efficiency and costs.
The role requires a strong analytical and operational approach, using SAP/MRP and data analysis tools to review production requirements, manage planning adjustments and support effective decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Key Accountabilities
- Elaborates and reviews short and mid-term production plans, from intermediate products to finished goods, ensuring alignment with customer demand and operational requirements.
- Participates in the preparation and review of the production master plan, contributing to medium-term planning and capacity alignment.
- Manages monthly production planning cycles, typically covering a three-month horizon, reviewing and adjusting plans according to demand changes, stock availability and operational constraints.
- Uses SAP/MRP to analyze production requirements, inventory availability and material needs, determining the quantities, timing and production orders required to fulfill customer demand.
- Reviews and adjusts production orders, delivery priorities and stock allocations according to customer requirements and manufacturing availability.
- Ensures that production plans meet committed customer delivery dates, proactively identifying potential risks and proposing corrective actions.
- Monitors and optimizes stock levels for intermediate products, raw materials, packaging materials and finished goods within the assigned product portfolio.
- Follows up on production plan execution, identifying deviations and coordinating the necessary adjustments with the relevant departments.
- Ensures production plans consider and balance manufacturing and quality control capacity, while contributing to cost optimization.
- Identifies capacity constraints, material shortages, production delays and other operational risks, prioritizing actions and escalating relevant issues to the Planning Manager when necessary.
- Performs demand variation analysis, inventory reviews and production data analysis to support planning decisions and anticipate potential service disruptions.
- Participates in regular supply chain and manufacturing meetings to follow up on issues affecting production plans, inventory and service levels.
- Collaborates closely with Customer Service, Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality and Logistics to ensure effective coordination and timely resolution of planning issues.
- Supports planning activities related to business growth, product launches, transfers and new projects.
- Monitors stock levels and contributes to the control of expired, scrapped and surplus materials for the assigned product portfolio.
- Maintains and improves SAP planning master data, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
- Uses Excel and other reporting tools to analyze operational data, evaluate planning scenarios and identify improvement opportunities.
- Updates planning procedures and documentation when required.
- Proposes and implements continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing planning processes, inventory management and operational efficiency.
- Supports the Planning Manager in preparing departmental budgets and monitoring their execution.
Networking / Key Relationships
The position requires close cooperation with different company departments, particularly Manufacturing, Quality Control and other operational areas.
Strong collaboration is also expected with the Supply Chain team, including Customer Service, Procurement, Logistics and Warehouse, as well as with QRA, Operational Excellence, Finance, Marketing, Product Transfer and R&D when required.
The role involves regular cross-functional communication to anticipate potential constraints, align production priorities and ensure customer service commitments are met.
Minimum Knowledge & Experience Required for the Position
Education
- Required: Higher Vocational Training (CFGS) in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Operations or a related field, or an equivalent educational background supported by relevant professional experience.
- Valuable: University degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related discipline.
Experience
- Minimum 3–4 years of relevant professional experience in Production Planning within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience in production planning activities, including MRP analysis, production orders, inventory management and coordination with manufacturing departments.
- Experience working with short and mid-term production plans, managing changes in demand and adapting production requirements to operational constraints.
- Experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, medical devices, diagnostics or other regulated manufacturing environments will be considered an advantage, although experience in other industrial sectors is also valuable.
Additional Skills / Knowledge
Software and Planning Tools
- Strong practical knowledge of SAP, particularly MRP and production planning functionalities, or equivalent ERP systems.
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions and data analysis.
- Ability to analyze information from ERP systems and translate it into actionable production planning decisions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
Languages
- Fluency in Spanish or Catalan.
- Good command of English, including the ability to communicate effectively in professional conversations and cross-functional meetings.
Additional Knowledge
- Knowledge of production planning processes, inventory management, manufacturing lead times and capacity constraints.
- Understanding of the relationship between customer demand, production requirements and stock availability.
- Valuable knowledge of Demand Planning processes, continuous improvement methodologies and Lean manufacturing environments.
Skills & Capabilities
The ideal candidate for this position will exhibit the following skills and competencies:
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret operational data, identify deviations and support decision-making.
- Ability to manage production planning activities independently, prioritizing tasks and adapting to changing operational requirements.
- Proactive and solution-oriented mindset, anticipating potential issues and proposing practical corrective actions.
- Critical thinking and continuous improvement orientation, with the ability to challenge existing processes constructively and identify opportunities for optimization.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Flexibility and adaptability when responding to changes in demand, production constraints or unexpected operational issues.
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, promoting effective collaboration across departments.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Attention to detail, accuracy and reliability in data analysis and planning activities.
- Ability to learn new processes and technical concepts and apply this knowledge to operational situations.
- Commitment to Werfen's values and to maintaining high standards of quality and professional collaboration.
Travel Requirements
Up to 5% of working time.
