Wilton Factory Head of Planning

Job Mission

The Head of Planning at the Wilton Factory (WF) is responsible for leading and managing the factories business planning processes from strategic to operational levels. This role oversees master planning, production planning, and shift planning activities.

The Head of Planning collaborates closely with other planning leaders at the Wilton Factory and with the Planning & Development (P&D) departments at ASML headquarters in the Netherlands. In Wilton, the planning department functions as an objective entity, supporting and constructively challenging department managers (Assembly, Optics, Engineering, Logistics) while working in close partnership with the Finance department.

This is a senior leadership role within the Wilton Factory, managing a team of 10-30 employees.

Key Responsibilities

Master Planning

• Serve as the primary point of contact for planning cycles with business lines.
• Lead the development and maintenance of WF baseline capability plans, ensuring rigorous change control.
• Identify and manage planning constraints including facilities, cycle time, tools, and FTE.
• Consolidate departmental inputs to maintain and communicate a feasible and aligned plan.
• Prepare and present planning scenarios to support executive decision-making.

Production and Shift Planning

• Own and manage the Assembly and Optical Fabrication build plans.
• Oversee work center planning and proactively resolve bottlenecks for upcoming production starts.
• Ensure demand integrity in MRP systems (e.g., system counts, starts, outputs).
• Set priorities for order and material releases and dispositioning.
• Coordinate with SS&P and Manufacturing Services teams (Material Planning, Supplier Management, Cleanroom Logistics) to ensure timely availability of complete kits at point of use.

Inventory Control

• Define and monitor inventory levels.
• Lead inventory reduction initiatives in collaboration with cross-sector teams.
• Develop and implement buffer strategies within the Wilton Factory.

Education

• Bachelors of science in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in business operations with strong knowledge of planning and S&OP processes.
• Experience in operational leadership or program management
• Proven experience in decision-making at senior stakeholder levels within complex organizations.
• Deep understanding of operational processes in a manufacturing environment.

Personal Skills

• Strong analytical skills with a drive for transparency; proficient in modeling, data analysis, and scenario planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all business levels.
• Ability to respectfully challenge the status quo while supporting department managers.
• Skilled at translating high-level strategy into operational execution.
• Politically astute with strong stakeholder management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and lead process improvements.
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a passion for engaging, developing, and motivating teams.

This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

• EEO/AA (W/M/Vets/Disability) Employer

There is potential for exposure to strong magnetic fields, high voltage and currents.

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.

Need to know more about applying for a job at ASML? Read our frequently asked questions.

ASML…