
Critical Manufacturing
Product Manager of Planning and Scheduling
Porto
June 25, 2026
Full-time
Critical Manufacturing is dedicated to empowering high-performance operations to make Industry 4.0 a reality with the most innovative, comprehensive, and modular MES software. We have a global presence, but our headquarters and main technical center are in Porto (Maia), Portugal, where we develop cutting-edge solutions for Semiconductors, Electronics, Medical Devices, and Industrial Equipment.
Recognized for the third consecutive year as a Leader by Gartner, we are part of ASMPT, the world's largest supplier of world-class equipment and technology partner for the electronics and semiconductor industries.
The Role
The Product Manager of Planning and Scheduling drives the success and adoption of the critical scheduling capabilities of our MES solution. This role translates complex manufacturing challenges into clear product requirements, leveraging operational planning expertise to help factories maximize productivity and minimize delays through our world-class MES.
The success of this role relies on a specialized blend of manufacturing domain expertise, particularly in Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) concepts such as finite capacity scheduling and sequencing algorithms, and an understanding of their application within Critical Manufacturing's MES.
The Product Manager of Planning and Scheduling is responsible for ensuring that the final product not only meets functional and technical specifications but truly addresses the customer’s business problem - which is efficiency and profitability. This involves defining user experience, validating the underlying optimization logic, and collaborating with customers to understand their requirements and craft the appropriate planning and scheduling solution using Critical Manufacturing software.
What You Will Do
- Manage Planning and Scheduling requirements for Critical Manufacturing customers
- Contribute to the vision, strategy, and roadmap of Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS)
- Ensure the delivery of Planning and Scheduling solutions, driving and supporting design, development, and performing the respective acceptance activities
- Articulate problems and create solution designs for internal developments or guide design with technical consultants and Critical Manufacturing partners for external developments
- Engage with external technical consultants, third parties, and partners to provide the customer with a Planning and Scheduling solution that meets their needs
- Support the sales cycle on Planning and Scheduling topics, understanding customer requirements, and making solution recommendations
- Provide consulting as a Planning and Scheduling expert to customers and internal teams on the implementation of the Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) product
- Maintain deep and up-to-date knowledge about the Production Planning and Scheduling business domain
How Success Looks Like
In your first year, you will have:
- Successfully integrated into our Product Management, Pre-Sales, Sales, Marketing, and Project Implementation Teams
- Successfully launched two to three features related to Planning and Scheduling
- Successfully secured two opportunities where Planning and Scheduling is a key requirement
- Successfully implemented Planning and Scheduling solutions in two clients
- Modeled the Planning and Scheduling roadmap
Why Join Us
- Be part of a company that is shaping the future of manufacturing software
- Work directly with executives and cross-functional leaders to define our market strategy
- Enjoy the freedom to experiment, innovate, and create enduring systems
- Interact with world-class manufacturers and lead the development of planning and scheduling solutions worldwide
- Join a team where narrative, strategy, and technology meet to make Industry 4.0 a reality
Requirements
What You Bring
- 5–7 years of experience in production planning and scheduling, with a proven track record in implementing planning or scheduling software systems (internal or commercial)
- Knowledge of business applications (e.g., ERP, CRM, SCP, APS)
- Excellent English skills – spoken and written
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
What We Consider a Plus (Not Mandatory)
- Experience with MES
- Experience in Supply Chain Planning, Master Planning, S&OP, or Supply Planning
- Knowledge in Industrial Engineering
- Experience in shop floor consulting – Lean, Six Sigma
- Skills in IT architecture and programming - SQL
- Experience in a relevant industrial segment: Semiconductor, Electronics, Medical Devices, or Industrial Equipment
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are a source of commitment and innovation.
At Critical Manufacturing, we welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of disabilities, diverse abilities, identities, or experiences.
If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know - we will be happy to support you.
Apply for this job here!