Strategic Planning And Production Control LeaderWe are seeking a strategic Planning and Production Control leader with deep expertise in FAR Part 145 repair station operations to lead end-to-end planning and execution in a fast-growing MRO environment. This individual will oversee Production Control, driving accurate work scoping, labor planning, and technical data interpretation to translate complex aircraft requirements into executable, compliant maintenance plans.The ideal candidate brings proven experience aligning Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure readiness of parts, tooling, and GSE, enabling efficient execution and achievement of TAT, cost, and quality targets. They excel in capacity planning, KPI management, and process optimization, while leveraging ERP/MRO systems (e.g., EmpowerMX) to enhance visibility, compliance, and performance.This role requires a hands-on leader who can supervise teams, interface with customers, manage SOWs, and drive continuous improvement, ensuring scalable processes, operational efficiency, and adherence to safety, quality, and PMO standards in a dynamic, high-growth environment.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesAdvance Production Control and PMO processes to support operational growth, efficiency, and compliance within a FAR Part 145 Repair Station environmentIncorporate EmpowerMX (or equivalent MRO/ERP system) as the centralized compliance and planning tool for: Labor data collection, project planning, and budget controlResource planning including manpower, tooling, and equipmentDocument compliance, revision control, distribution tracking, and audit readinessPerform in-depth review and interpretation of aircraft technical data including AMM, SRM, IPC, CMM, ADs, SBs, EOs, and engineering drawings to define work scope requirementsDevelop and validate planned labor hours by task using technical data, historical performance, and standard hour methodologies to support ROMs, SOWs, and cost estimatesBuild and maintain detailed work packages and job cards, ensuring proper task sequencing, dependencies, and full regulatory compliancePre-plan all assigned projects by establishing manpower requirements, project flow, and production schedules, ensuring alignment with budget and delivery commitmentsMonitor and reconcile planned vs.
actual labor hours, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions to improve forecasting and operational performanceEnsure all required task/work cards are properly staged, released, completed, and compliant with FAA regulations, Repair Station manuals, and customer requirementsCoordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and Materials to ensure all prerequisites (technical data, parts, tooling, and labor) are available prior to work executionPartner with Supply Chain and Materials Management to ensure timely availability of parts, consumables, and rotable components to maintain schedule adherenceCollaborate with Tooling and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) teams to ensure required equipment availability, proper calibration, and readiness to support maintenance activitiesEstablish and maintain manpower loading plans based on capacity, skill sets, and project priorities to optimize workflow and resource utilizationInterface with Program/Project Management to adjust project flow, priorities, and schedules based on operational needs and changing requirementsChampion for Technology – ensure team is fully utilizing ERP system and PM SoftwareHost and manage customer meetings, providing status updates, production reports, and schedule adherence metricsSupport proposal development, contract review, and statement of work (SOW) definition, ensuring accuracy in scope, cost, and schedule assumptionsManage multiple customer programs simultaneously, ensuring compliance with individual contractual, regulatory, and operational requirementsMonitor performance metrics by customer to identify trends, drive efficiencies, and support continuous improvement initiativesSupport QA/QC and regulatory audits by ensuring all planning documentation, work packages, and records meet FAA and customer requirementsAssist in onboarding and training personnel on planning processes, MRO systems, and compliance standardsSupport continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning accuracy, process standardization, and operational efficiencyProvide daily production updates, turnover reports, and communication to ensure alignment across all shifts and departmentsBackup other Planners and Projects as requiredPerform other duties as assignedKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesSelf-starting, goal-oriented individual who is able to work both independently and in a groupHigh energy and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, competitive and dynamic environmentAdvanced in Communication, coordination and collaboration skillsAbility to build rapport with both internal and external customers as well as Regulatory AgenciesStrong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skillsA strong leader with the ability to drive processes and improvements while mentoring employee growthExcellent communication skills, both verbal and writtenAcute attention to detailWorking knowledge of FAR and FAA 145 Repair Station Certificate requirementsAbility to maintain high-quality work and meet strict deadlinesAbility to adhere to LAUNCH's Mission and ValuesAbility to work in a hangar environment which may not be climate controlledMinimum Education / Experience / QualificationsCollege Degree PreferredA&P Certificate Preferred5+ years of relevant experience working in a similar role at a 145 Repair Station, MRO or in the Aerospace IndustryExperience with contract negotiations & administration, team building and budgeting strongly preferredProficient skills in aviation ERP system preferred – EmpowerMXExperience with Project Management software preferred - ClickUpWorking experience with ISO9001/AS9100/AS9110Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office & familiarity with SharepointLEAN/Continuous Improvement ExperienceKey RelationshipsAll clients/customersOperations, centralized business support and shared servicesCorporate TeamFAA & Other regulatory agencies
Planning Supervisor in wichita at Unknown Company
This position is listed as contract and onsite.