Master Planner - Job Opportunity at Kinovate Life Sciences

Carlsbad, US
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
USD 116,000+ per year

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision) effective from day one, providing immediate healthcare security
Life and disability insurance coverage ensuring financial protection for employees and families
Generous 401(k) retirement plan with company support for long-term financial planning
Above-market vacation allocation of 3 weeks in first year, demonstrating work-life balance commitment
12 paid holidays annually plus 5 paid sick days, totaling 17 days of paid time off beyond vacation
Tuition reimbursement program supporting continuous professional development and career advancement
Discretionary bonus program rewarding exceptional performance and company success
Employee assistance program providing confidential support for personal and professional challenges
Flexible spending account and health savings account options for tax-advantaged healthcare spending
Employee discount programs providing additional financial benefits
Professional development assistance beyond tuition reimbursement for skill enhancement
Referral program incentivizing employee participation in talent acquisition
Wellness program promoting employee health and reducing healthcare costs
Parental leave benefits supporting work-life integration during family transitions

Key Responsibilities

Champion end-to-end supply chain optimization across production and product release value streams, directly impacting company profitability and customer satisfaction through process excellence
Develop and execute strategic production schedules that align customer demand with resource optimization, serving as the critical link between sales forecasting and manufacturing execution
Lead enterprise resource planning (ERP) system optimization using Oracle NetSuite and JDE software, ensuring data integrity and system performance that drives organizational decision-making
Manage comprehensive inventory strategies that minimize working capital investment while preventing stockouts, directly impacting cash flow and customer service levels
Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration between QC, QA, Production, and Warehouse teams to ensure seamless material flow and documentation readiness for dynamic schedule changes
Conduct advanced capacity analysis and resource allocation planning that maximizes operational efficiency and supports revenue growth objectives
Drive continuous improvement initiatives through root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies including PDCA, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for inventory optimization, lead time reduction, and production efficiency that directly correlate to business performance
Develop and implement comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that ensure regulatory compliance and operational consistency across all planning functions
Serve as subject matter expert and mentor for planning processes, building organizational capability and knowledge transfer for sustainable operations
Lead strategic cross-functional initiatives including digital transformation and ERP upgrades that position the company for scalable growth
Create executive-level reporting and analytics that provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making and resource allocation

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or Operations Management, Management Science, Data Analysis, Statistics, Cost Accounting, or equivalent experience

Experience

Five to ten (5-10) years' experience in material planning or production planning data analysis, or data-driven decision-making

Required Skills

Strong understanding of MRP systems (Preferably Oracle Net Suite) and materials planning in a manufacturing environment using statistical forecasting methods and data analysis techniques Advanced Software and Microsoft Suite skills: Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) software such as Oracle Net Suite, Power BI, Excel, and PowerPoint Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently Excellent knowledge of production control methods, including capacity planning and inventory management Exceptional ability to achieve goals with a commitment to continuous improvement Proficient in prioritizing work to meet deadlines, and multi-task while maintaining flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic fast-paced manufacturing team environment Strong leadership skills, including selection, training, coaching, mentoring, developing, disciplining, conflict resolution, performance evaluation, team development and team goal setting Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, high-level of accuracy and strong follow-through and follow-up Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, adept at making data-driven decisions Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of collaborating and influencing at various organizational levels Ability to present data-driven insights and recommendations to senior management effectively Advanced language skills with the ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations Strong application of critical thinking skills along with exceptional problem solving

Certifications

Certificate Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), a plus Certification in Data Analytics or Supply Chain Analytics, a plus
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The life sciences manufacturing sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by biotechnology advances, personalized medicine, and oligonucleotide therapeutics, creating high demand for specialized supply chain professionals who can manage complex manufacturing processes in regulated environments. Companies like Kinovate are at the forefront of this transformation, requiring master planners who understand both traditional manufacturing principles and the unique challenges of biotech production. Digital transformation in manufacturing is accelerating the adoption of advanced ERP systems and analytics platforms, with Oracle NetSuite becoming increasingly dominant in mid-market life sciences companies. Organizations are seeking professionals who can leverage these technologies to create competitive advantages through improved forecasting accuracy, inventory optimization, and real-time production visibility. Regulatory compliance requirements in life sciences manufacturing are intensifying, with companies transitioning from ISO standards to GMP certification requiring sophisticated planning systems and processes. This trend creates premium demand for planning professionals who can design and implement compliant operational frameworks while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary of $116,000+ is competitive for the Carlsbad market, which typically sees Master Planner roles ranging from $110,000 to $140,000 annually. Given the specialized life sciences focus, ERP expertise requirements, and leadership responsibilities, the total compensation package likely reaches $130,000-$150,000 when including discretionary bonuses and comprehensive benefits.

Role Significance

Typically manages planning processes across multiple departments rather than direct reports, coordinating with 15-25 professionals across Sales, Manufacturing, Purchasing, QA/QC, and Warehouse functions. May mentor junior planning staff and lead cross-functional project teams of 5-8 members.
This is a senior-level individual contributor role with significant organizational impact, serving as the central coordination point for supply chain operations and cross-functional collaboration. The position requires strategic thinking combined with operational execution, indicating high visibility and influence within the organization's operational framework.

Key Projects

ERP system optimization and upgrade initiatives that improve operational efficiency and data accuracy across manufacturing operations Supply chain digitization projects implementing advanced analytics and forecasting capabilities to reduce inventory costs while improving service levels GMP certification preparation involving comprehensive process documentation, system validation, and compliance framework development Capacity expansion planning to support business growth while optimizing resource utilization and capital investment Continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste and improve operational performance

Success Factors

Mastery of Oracle NetSuite ERP system functionality combined with deep understanding of manufacturing planning principles, enabling optimization of system configuration and user adoption across the organization Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities that can translate complex data into actionable insights for executive decision-making, particularly in inventory optimization and capacity planning scenarios Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills that build trust and influence across diverse teams, ensuring alignment between sales commitments, manufacturing capabilities, and supply chain constraints Continuous improvement mindset with practical experience in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, enabling identification and implementation of process enhancements that deliver measurable business results Regulatory compliance awareness and attention to detail necessary for life sciences manufacturing environments, ensuring all planning activities support quality standards and audit requirements

Market Demand

High demand driven by biotechnology sector expansion, regulatory complexity, and shortage of professionals with combined ERP expertise and life sciences manufacturing experience

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Oracle NetSuite ERP expertise is absolutely essential as this system serves as the backbone for all planning operations, inventory management, and cross-functional data integration. Proficiency in system configuration, reporting, and optimization directly impacts operational efficiency and decision-making quality across the organization. Statistical forecasting and demand planning capabilities are crucial for managing inventory investments and production scheduling in a dynamic biotechnology market where demand patterns can be volatile and customer requirements complex. These skills directly impact working capital management and customer service levels. Cross-functional leadership and communication skills are vital for success in this role, as the Master Planner serves as the central coordination point between multiple departments with competing priorities and different operational perspectives. The ability to influence without direct authority is essential for achieving organizational alignment. Analytical problem-solving and continuous improvement methodology expertise enables the identification and resolution of operational inefficiencies that can significantly impact profitability and competitiveness in the specialized life sciences market.

Beneficial Skills

Life sciences regulatory knowledge and GMP familiarity would accelerate contribution to the company's certification initiatives and provide career differentiation in the biotechnology industry Project management certification (PMP) would enhance capability to lead cross-functional initiatives and digital transformation projects that are increasingly important in manufacturing organizations Advanced data analytics skills using tools like Power BI or Tableau would enable more sophisticated forecasting models and executive reporting capabilities Lean Six Sigma certification would provide structured methodologies for continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization projects that deliver measurable business results

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work at the intersection of materials science and biotechnology in a rapidly growing market segment, providing exposure to cutting-edge therapeutic development and manufacturing processes
Access to Japanese parent company resources and methodologies while maintaining the agility and innovation culture of a smaller organization, offering unique professional development opportunities
Direct involvement in the company's transition from ISO to GMP certification, providing valuable regulatory compliance experience that is highly sought after in the life sciences industry
Leadership role in ERP optimization and digital transformation initiatives that will define the company's operational capabilities for future growth and market expansion

Career Growth

Progression to management roles typically occurs within 2-3 years given the strategic nature of the position and leadership development opportunities, with director-level positions achievable within 5-7 years through demonstrated results and expanded scope

Potential Next Roles

Supply Chain Manager or Director roles overseeing broader supply chain strategy and team management within biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies Operations Manager positions with P&L responsibility for manufacturing facilities, leveraging planning expertise to drive operational excellence ERP Implementation Consultant or Program Manager roles supporting system deployments across life sciences organizations Business Process Improvement Manager focusing on operational excellence and digital transformation initiatives

Company Overview

Kinovate Life Sciences

Kinovate Life Sciences operates as a specialized subsidiary of Nitto Denko Corporation, a major Japanese materials science company, providing the financial stability of a large international organization while maintaining entrepreneurial agility in niche life sciences markets. The company has established itself as a market leader in oligonucleotide synthesis support materials, serving prominent biotechnology companies during a period of significant industry growth and innovation.

Strong market position as the leading supplier of solid support materials for oligonucleotide synthesis, serving well-known biotechnology companies in a rapidly expanding therapeutic area. The company benefits from Japanese parent company resources while maintaining focused expertise in specialized life sciences applications.
Strategic location in the San Diego biotechnology corridor provides access to major pharmaceutical and biotech companies, skilled workforce, and industry partnerships. The Carlsbad location positions the company within one of the most concentrated life sciences clusters in the United States.
Combines Japanese corporate values of quality and continuous improvement with American innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. The small subsidiary structure enables close collaboration, rapid decision-making, and significant individual impact while providing comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities typical of larger organizations.
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