Senior planner jobs may be available in a variety of sectors with some common job functions. For example, people management, quality assurance and long-term goal defintions are likely to be responsibilities of many senior planners. The different industries in which these careers exist, however, may dictate specific functions. In manufacturing, the senior planner may oversee multiple departments, while the same position in financial planning may help clients manage personal wealth. Purchasing, scheduling, environmental consulting and community development are additional departments and industries in which senior planners may work.
Senior planners in a manufacturing facility likely manage production plans. These positions may therefore supervise the purchase orders for and deliveries of secondary materials. Another important function may include the oversight of multiple departments, such as inventory control, customer service and manufacturing. Such positions are further likely to schedule production, move products from manufacturing to shipping and reconcile purchase orders with inventory numbers.
Management duties in a manufacturing facility may require senior planners to hold four-year degrees in business or supply chain management. Some employers may also require national certification in development, such as that provided by the United States Association for Operations Management (APICS). Additional qualifications may include training or certification in quality control programs, such as Six Sigma.
Financial planning is another area in which senior planner jobs may be available. Consulting with clients, defining their needs and providing a scope of management solutions are likely to be essential functions of such positions. Professionals may also help clients meet and maintain financial goals as well as find ways to enhance their existing portfolios. These senior planner careers may require four-year degrees in finance with related certifications, such as that of qualified plan financial consultant (QPFC) in the United States.
Purchasing departments often exist within many corporations and industries, including those that specialize in manufacturing, research and development and heavy machinery. Accordingly, senior planner jobs in purchasing may assist with product transitions and manage the hardware and software releases for new products. People in these positions may act as liaisons for other departments in terms of quoting, expediting and tracking product deliveries. Reducing costs, resolving daily receiving and invoicing issues and qualifying new suppliers for future transactions may compose additional duties.
Senior planner jobs may also focus on the scheduling of complex projects. Suppliers of aerospace equipment, for example, may need a person who works closely with customers and suppliers to develop solutions for high-risk equipment and project deliveries. Scheduling duties may thus relate to internal and external customers, logical sequencing of activities, project resources and subcontractors. The senior planner may also coordinate project teams and control delivery costs. A degree in engineering or business with experience using specific software, such as Microsoft Project, may be required for these positions.
Environmental consultants often work with many aspects of planning, including resource management, sustainability services, and regulatory compliance. Senior planner duties at such firms are likely to mimic those of an executive project manager. For example, planners may oversee technical staff members and facilitate projects from beginning to end. These positions may also prepare environmental impact statements, monitor budgets and review technical data. Candidates may need four-year degrees in geology, biology or environmental science, with some employers preferring those who hold Master’s degrees.
Urban development is another area in which senior planner jobs may be prevalent. This field often pertains to road and highway development, land management and bridge construction. Thus, senior planners are likely to guide community renewal, maintain regulatory compliances and generate analyses concerning budgets and community impacts. Planners may also report to community officials, answer public questions or concerns and create long-term development projects. A four-year degree in urban or environmental planning may be necessary to obtain such jobs.