Master Planner

Master planners oversee manufacturing and engineering work environments, setting production schedules and coordinating department schedules. They must meet with department supervisors to determine progress and keep apprised of all changes in departmental schedules. The master planner ensures that materials are available in the supply chain and that inventory is maintained at acceptable levels. They must review and plan requirements for acceptable inventory, find sources that supply raw materials, utilities, and outside services, coordinate procurement efforts, and determine the level of need for the items they must procure. Master planners serve as the point of contact for all schedules within the company; they are often called the master scheduler or master coordinator for this reason. They keep apprised of all activities and procedures through production planners or document coordinators in their company.

Master planners primarily work indoors in an office environment, but they may be required to travel to different company locations or to meet new vendors. They usually work during regular business hours, although overtime and alternative hours may be required depending on the company.

Generally needed or preferred for master planner positions are APICS certification, at least a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field, and experience with master planning or master coordinating. If not APICS certified, then familiarity with APICS terminology and working procedures is necessary. The master planner must be able to work with relevant computer programs and may be required to learn the computer programs specific to certain companies. Additionally, they should have experience in scheduling both non-recurring and recurring production needs.

With 6-9 years of experience, a Master Planner in Australia has the following key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive project plans, considering timelines, budgets, and resources. Create detailed project plans that outline tasks, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to gather requirements, assess project scope, and define objectives. Collaborate with teams and clients to understand project needs and establish clear goals.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and proactively address issues to ensure timely completion. Track project milestones, analyze potential risks, and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Provide guidance and leadership to junior planners, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards.

For a Master Planner job role, the following qualifications are required:

• Strong analytical skills to analyze complex data sets, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize supply chain operations.
• Excellent organizational abilities to create and maintain detailed production schedules, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and timely delivery of goods.
• Proficiency in using advanced planning and scheduling software to forecast demand, manage inventory levels, and coordinate production activities.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement, production, and logistics, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment of goals.

The role of a Master Planner is crucial for efficient operations and strategic planning. With 6-9 years of experience in Australia, professionals in this field can explore various alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

• Supply Chain Manager: This role involves overseeing the end-to-end supply chain process, including procurement, inventory management, and distribution.
• Operations Manager: A position focused on optimizing operational processes, improving productivity, and ensuring smooth workflow across departments.
• Project Manager: A role that entails planning, executing, and monitoring projects to achieve specific objectives within budget and time constraints.
• Business Development Manager: This position involves identifying new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving growth initiatives for the organization.

The job role of a Master Planner in Australia is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for this role are expected to increase, driven by the country's growing infrastructure development and urbanization. The demand for skilled professionals in this field is also set to rise. According to recent data available from Google, the projected growth of the Master Planner role in Australia indicates numerous job prospects and employment opportunities in the future.