Production Planner

POSITION LOCATION: The Production Planner creates and maintains headcount, equipment, and facility capacity plans to meet output targets in 24/7 genetic testing labs. This role develops and communicates production schedules, production targets, and continuously monitor performance versus plan. Provides daily/weekly reporting of lab KPIs and schedules to lab leadership and interfaces across the organization, including but not limited to Lab Operations, Process Engineering, Equipment support, Analytics, Product Managers, and Engineering to optimize lab production. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and maintain capacity models for headcount, equipment, facilities across multiple labs.. Create daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules aligned to production goals. Monitor shift-level execution against plan, highlight deviations >5% and remedial plans Partner with Lab Operations leaders realign WIP and production priorities to overcome production constraints. Track and report KPIs; QCDS, schedule adherence, cycle time, bottleneck queues, OEE. Partner with Continuous Improvement teams and other individuals on identifying production constraints and improving scheduling for higher throughput and quality. Analyze data across multiple platforms including (SQL, Qlikview, PowerBI, LIMS, gSuite, JIRA, etc.) to uncover issues/bottlenecks and work with Lab Leaders on driving improvements. Establishes and manages escalation pathway for delayed or problematic samples in concert with Lab Leaders and internal stakeholders. Confers with management to resolve problems, roadblocks, and barriers to progress. Effectively communicates production expectations to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion This role works with PHI on a regular basis both in paper and electronic form and have access to various technologies to access PHI (paper and electronic) in order to perform the job Plans and leads cross departmental team meetings Adheres to Departmental Expectations Employee must complete training relating to HIPAA/PHI privacy, General Policies and Procedure Compliance training and security training as soon as possible but not later than the first 30 days of hire. Performs other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS: BS/BA/MBA degree in Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Data Analytics, or related field. A minimum of 3+ years of experience in production scheduling, capacity planning, or operations management. Proficiency in MES, ERP/MRP, LIMS, SQL, and advanced excel/analytical tools. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Exceptional multi-tasking, organizational, and communication skills. Excellent computer skills, including MS Excel, Oracle, gSuite. Excellence in attention to detail, problem solving, and organization skills Self-motivation, with the desire and capacity to work both independently and collaboratively Experience with LIMS and SQL queries and data visualization in Tableau, QuickSight, or PowerBI preferred Manufacturing/Engineering experience preferred Knowledge and experience with Lean Six Sigma concepts and tools Compensation & Total Rewards This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations. This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including: Annual performance incentive bonus Long-term equity awards Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision) 401(k) with company match Generous paid time off and company holidays Additional wellness and work-life benefits Compensation Range $84,400 — $105,500 USD OUR OPPORTUNITY Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more t