Sr. Production Planner

Cytek Biosciences is a leading life sciences technology company headquartered in Fremont, California, focused on advancing the next generation of cell analysis tools. Leveraging its proprietary Full Spectrum Profiling (FSP) technology, Cytek delivers high-resolution, high-sensitivity solutions that enable researchers to gain deeper biological insights and accelerate scientific discovery across areas such as immunology, oncology, and cell therapy.

Cytek's comprehensive portfolio includes innovative instruments, reagents, software, and services that are widely used by pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and research organizations worldwide. Driven by a mission to improve life through scientific innovation, Cytek is committed to empowering scientists with scalable, high-performance technologies that enhance efficiency and unlock new possibilities in research and clinical applications.

The Sr. Production Planner is responsible for developing and executing production plans that support manufacturing demand while optimizing inventory, capacity, and material flow across multiple products. This role requires a highly proactive and analytical individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can quickly adapt to changing priorities.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver and continuous improvement driver who does not accept the status quo. This individual will actively identify gaps, anticipate risks, and implement solutions that improve efficiency, product flow, and overall manufacturing performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develop and maintain production plans to meet manufacturing demand while optimizing inventory levels, capacity utilization, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Analyze production forecasts and consumption patterns to support effective demand planning and material requirements planning (MRP).
• Proactively identify potential production constraints, shortages, or delays and implement solutions to minimize impact to schedules.
• Coordinate production workflow across multiple product lines to ensure maximum performance and minimal delays.
• Lead planning activities related to VMI, KANBAN, and demand-driven replenishment programs.
• Analyze back orders, current orders, and future demand to prioritize and sequence production schedules.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and customer service teams to resolve production issues and improve product flow.
• Monitor execution of the production plan and quickly adjust schedules to respond to changing priorities or disruptions.
• Identify BOM discrepancies and drive rapid resolution to maintain accurate planning and inventory records.
• Lead projects to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, including those caused by BOM inaccuracies, system configuration issues, and transactional errors within NetSuite or other ERP systems.
• Reconcile inventory and ensure accurate allocation of materials against work in progress (WIP) and finished goods inventory (FGI).
• Develop and maintain reporting tools to track production performance, WIP status, and inventory levels.
• Investigate production problems, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with shop floor leadership daily to remove obstacles and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, process optimization, throughput improvement, and capacity planning.
• Act as a key planning resource for engineering changes and new product introductions.
• Demonstrate strong ownership and initiative by taking on additional projects and operational initiatives beyond day-to-day planning responsibilities to support evolving business needs, solve operational challenges, and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-functional site or global projects focused on cost reduction, process improvements, inventory optimization, and operational efficiency.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of production planning, materials planning, or supply chain experience, preferably in an OEM or contract manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with ERP/MRP systems related to inventory control, material requirements planning, item master, demand planning, and capacity planning.
• NetSuite experience preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills required (data analysis, pivot tables, formulas, and reporting tools).
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret large datasets and translate insights into actionable production plans.
• ASCM certifications such as CPIM is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities and changing demands.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively identify and resolve operational issues.
• Highly proactive, self-driven, and results oriented.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for production performance.
• Ability to challenge current processes and drive improvements across planning and manufacturing operations.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Be able to work in a standing/sitting position.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Why Join Cytek?

Innovative Culture
Be part of a team that champions creativity, teamwork, and scientific excellence. Cytek thrives on collaboration, customer focus, and an entrepreneurial spirit grounded in integrity and shared success.

Meaningful Impact
Contribute directly to a biotech pioneer- TIME Recognizes Cytek Biosciences as One of America's Growth Leaders of 2026.

Growth & Development
Cytek invests heavily in employee training and development-fostering career progression and innovation. Employees are encouraged to stretch their skills, and growth opportunities are built into the company's DNA.

Comprehensive Benefits & Equity
Enjoy competitive compensation, a full package of benefits, and a workplace committed to inclusion and ethical practices. Cytek welcomes diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, ensuring all team members are supported and respected.

Cytek is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.