Graduate Production Planning & Scheduling Analyst - Orthopedics

ROLE TITLE: Graduate Production Planning & Scheduling Analyst

START DATE: September 2027

LOCATION: Cork, Ireland

Johnson & Johnson announced plans to separate our Orthopaedics business to establish a standalone orthopaedics company, operating as DePuy Synthes. The process of the planned separation is anticipated to be completed within 18 to 24 months, subject to legal requirements, including consultation with works councils and other employee representative bodies, as may be required, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions and approvals. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following conclusion of the transaction, you would be an employee of DePuy Synthes and your employment would be governed by DePuy Synthes employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. In that case, details of any planned changes would be provided to you by DePuy Synthes at an appropriate time and subject to any necessary consultation processes

DePuy Synthes, Companies of Johnson & Johnson, is the largest, most comprehensive orthopedic and neurological business in the world, built upon the strong legacies of two great companies. 

DePuy Synthes offer an unparalleled breadth and depth of technology, devices, services and programs in the areas of joint reconstruction, trauma, spine, sports medicine, neurological, cranio-maxillofacial, power tools and biomaterials. 

Our broad array of inspired, innovative and high-quality offerings helps advance the health and well-being of people around the world. 

DePuy Synthes, who employ over 1000 people in Cork established its manufacturing facility in Cork in 1997 where it manufactures orthopedic knees and hips. In 2014, DePuy Synthes in Cork won the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This role supports production planning and scheduling under supervision, contributing to basic project tasks and process improvements. It involves analyzing trends, managing material availability, and ensuring timely supply to meet production needs. Responsibilities include coordinating supply activities, monitoring performance metrics, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to address constraints. The position also requires effective communication with stakeholders and adherence to company standards.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Help establish and implement programs and innovative initiatives for the Production Planning and Scheduling area, under direct supervision.

• Contribute to less complex components of projects, programs, or processes for the Production Planning and Scheduling area.

• Effectively coordinate the supply planning, purchasing and production scheduling activities for products managed.

• Determine production plan and in association with VS partner, ensures timely completion of planned production.

• Manage on time supply to customers.

• Monitor production planning system with relevant performance metrics e.g. schedule attainment, lead time.

Data Analysis & Process Improvement

• Complete simple trend analysis to support continuous improvement efforts for the organization's production strategy.

• Analyse product demand, sales patterns, and forecasts, as well as production specifications and plant and supplier capacity data.

• Identify and drive Lean or Six Sigma improvement initiatives.

• Support the evaluation of current processes and the transition to improved future processes in conjunction with the wider global PP&L team.

Material & Supply Chain Management

• Review shortage reports to ensure materials arrive in a timely manner to meet production requirement.

• Manage raw material and component supply to support Operations.

• Review capacity loads to identify potential manufacturing constraints. Work with Operations, Engineering and Quality partners to resolve and mitigate potential supply challenges.

• Manage and/or maintain raw material inventory investment per inventory entitlement models and drives improvement opportunities.

• Manage supplier performance: measurement, identification of performance issues and working together to resolve and prevent reoccurrence.

• Support evaluation of potential new suppliers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Be the key member of relevant New Product launch teams.

• Identify key stakeholders and establish effective communication plans across various groups such as customers, commercial partners, suppliers, global supply chain and site departments.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Minimum Bachelors degree in Process Excellence/Engineering, Manufacturing or similar engineering/technology bachelors degree, e.g. Supply Chain/Business Information Systems degree

• Recent Graduate (2026 or due to graduate in 2027)

• Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing systems concept knowledge

• The ability to work well individually and remotely.

• The ability to adapt to change and develop skills to meet these changes.

• High capability with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)

• Interest in developing skills, abilities, and career.

• Pro-active, can-do attitude. High level of personal initiative, ability to function autonomously and self-confidence.

• Self-starter with ability to create and develop new relationships quickly, and influence/collaborate to get to desired results.

• Results Orientation/Sense of Urgency – ability to drive to tight timelines.

• Data mining / reporting skills.

• Exposure to Project Management Methodology would be an advantage

• Interested in Manufacturing processes.