Production Scheduler - Contract Manufacturing

This role acts as the primary scheduling interface between Watts and Yongtuo, driving predictable execution, schedule adherence, and on time, in full delivery performance despite indirect control of assets. Success in this role directly impacts customer service, supply continuity, and trust with both customers and manufacturing partners.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Translate Watts supply plans and customer demand signals into feasible finite production schedules at Yongtuo
• Build and maintain detailed schedules by SKU, line, and time bucket (shift/day/week as appropriate to site capability)
• Partner with S&OP functions to discuss demand requirements against supplier-provided capacity, labor models, yields, run rates, and changeover logic
• Sequence production to optimize service levels, and supplier efficiency while minimizing expediting and volatility

Execution & Supplier Coordination

• Serve as the primary scheduling point of contact for external factories
• Collaborate closely with supplier production, maintenance, and quality teams to:
  • Address execution gaps, delays, and constraints
  • Incorporate planned downtime, line restrictions, or quality holds
  • Resolve short-term disruptions with minimal impact to customer service
• Monitor daily/weekly execution vs. plan and escalate risks proactively when output deviates from commitments

Customer & Service Protection

• Proactively identify and communicate service risks, delivery impacts, and recovery actions
• Ensure schedule changes are aligned with S&OP and S&OE decisions and clearly communicated to internal stakeholders
• Support root cause analysis when KPIs such as line fill rate, OTIF, or production attainment fall below target

Scenario Modeling & Decision Support

• Conduct “what-if” analysis to assess impacts of:
  • Supplier disruptions or capacity changes
  • Demand volatility or priority order changes
  • Material constraints or quality events
• Recommend trade-offs and mitigation plans that balance customer service, cost, and supplier capability

Systems & Data Governance

• Maintain and validate supplier scheduling master data, including:
  • Run rates, yields, minimum batch sizes
  • Capacity limits and constraint logic
  • Changeover matrices and sequencing rules
• Track actual performance vs. plan and drive data corrections with suppliers and internal teams
• Ensure schedules reflect contractual agreements and operational realities

EMPLOYEE CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Collaborate Across Workgroups
• Initiate Positive Change
• Deliver High Quality Results
• Focus on the Customer
• Develop Self and Others
• Accountability

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related field
• APICS certification (CPIM/CSCP) preferred
• 5+ years of experience in production scheduling, supply planning, or manufacturing planning (experience with contract or outsourced manufacturing strongly preferred)
• Strong understanding of MRP, finite scheduling, and capacity planning
• Ability to influence external partners and internal stakeholders without direct reporting authority
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Fluent English and Chinese is a must