Under general direction, performs a wide variety of complex planning activities required to attain production objectives. Reviews engineering plans and product specifications to determine raw material requirements to support manufacturing schedules. Works with Purchasing to obtain and schedule materials based on production forecasts. Works with Engineering and related areas to develop tools and procedures to maximize facility and equipment utilization. Assignments are generally the most complex within planning activities and include the attainment of planning objectives where products or production processes are new or manufacturing processes are variable. May direct and assist lower-level planners.