Planning and Scheduling Product Manager

Critical Manufacturing is dedicated to empowering high-performance operations to make Industry 4.0 a reality with the most innovative, comprehensive, and modular MES software. We have a global presence, but our headquarters, and the main technical center, are in Porto (Maia), Portugal, where we develop a state-of-the-art solution for Semiconductor, Electronics, Medical Devices, and Industrial Equipment.

Recognized for the third consecutive year as a Leader by Gartner, we are part of ASMPT, the world's largest supplier of best-in-class equipment, and technological process partner for the electronics and semiconductor industries.

The Role

The Planning and Scheduling Product Manager drives the success and adoption of our MES solution's critical scheduling capabilities. This role translates complex manufacturing challenges into clear product requirements, utilizing his/her expertise in operational planning to help factories maximize throughput and minimize delays through our world-class MES.

The success of this role hinges on a specialized blend of manufacturing domain expertise, particularly in Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) concepts like finite capacity scheduling and sequencing algorithms, and an understanding of its application within the Critical Manufacturing MES.

The Planning and Scheduling Product Manager is responsible for ensuring the final product not only meets the functional and technical specifications but truly solves the customer's business problem - which is efficiency and profitability. This involves defining the user experience, validating the underlying optimization logic and working together with customers to understand their requirements and come up with the appropriate planning and scheduling solution using the Critical Manufacturing software.

What you will do

• Manage the Planning and Scheduling requirements for Critical Manufacturing’s customers
• Contribute to the Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) vision, strategy & roadmap
• Ensure the delivery of Planning and Scheduling solutions, by driving and supporting the solution design, development, and performing the respective acceptance activities
• Formulate problems and create the solution design for internal developments or guide the design with Critical Manufacturing technical consultants and partners for external developments
• Articulate with external technical consultants, third parties and partners to provide the customer with a Planning and Scheduling solution that fits their needs
• Support the sales cycle in terms of Planning & Scheduling topics, by understanding the customer requirements and making solution recommendations
• Provide consultancy, as Planning and Scheduling expert, to customers and internal teams on the implementation of the Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) product
• Maintain deep and up-to-date business domain knowledge on Production Planning and Scheduling

What Success Looks Like
Within your first year, you will have:

• Successfully integrated into our Product Management, Pre-Sales, Sales, Marketing and Project Implementation Teams
• Successfully launch two to three features related with Planning & Scheduling
• Successfully win two opportunities where Planning & Scheduling is a key requirement
• Successfully implemented Planning & Scheduling solutions in two customers
• Shaped the Planning & Scheduling roadmap

Why Join Us

• Be part of a company shaping the future of manufacturing software
• Work directly with executives and cross-functional leaders to define how we go to market
• Enjoy the freedom to experiment, innovate, and create systems that will last
• Engage with world-class leading manufacturers and lead the deployment of planning & scheduling solutions across the world
• Join a team where storytelling, strategy, and technology meet to make Industry 4.0 real

Requirements:
What You Will Bring

• 5–7 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain planning, with a proven track record in implementing internal or commercial planning/scheduling software systems
• Business applications knowledge (e.g.: ERP, CRM, SCP, APS)
• Excellent English skills – spoken and written
• Great interpersonal and communication skills

What we consider a plus (not mandatory)

• Experience with MES
• Industrial Engineering knowledge
• Shopfloor consultancy experience – Lean, Six Sigma
• IT architecture and programming skills - SQL
• Experience in a relevant industry segment: Semiconductor, Electronics, Medical Devices or Industrial Equipment

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are a source of commitment and innovation

At Critical Manufacturing, we welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of disabilities, diverse abilities, identities, or experiences. Our commitment is to create an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed and thrive. 

If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know - we're happy to support you.