Production Planner

Description

We are seeking a Production Planner who is responsible for developing, coordinating, and optimizing production schedules to ensure efficient manufacturing operations and on-time delivery to customers. This role manages complex planning activities, monitors material and capacity constraints, and partners cross-functionally to resolve scheduling challenges. The Production Planner plays a key role in aligning demand forecasts, inventory levels, and production capabilities while driving improvements in scheduling accuracy and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop, maintain, and update detailed production schedules based on demand forecasts, customer orders, material availability, and capacity constraints.

· Create work order priorities and sequencing to maximize production efficiency and meet delivery commitments.

· Monitor WIP, lead times, and production progress; adjust schedules proactively to resolve conflicts or delays.

· Coordinate with Production, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure readiness for scheduled builds.

· Review material requirements and collaborate with Materials/Procurement teams to prevent shortages or delays.

· Analyze machine and labor capacity to optimize workflow and balance workloads across departments.

· Identify bottlenecks and recommend actions to improve throughput or reduce scheduling conflicts.

· Serve as a key communication point between Scheduling, Operations, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Engineering.

· Provide timely updates on schedule changes, production risks, and customer impacts.

· Support Sales and Customer Service with accurate promise dates and lead time assessments.

· Track and report key planning metrics such as schedule adherence, on-time delivery, WIP levels, capacity utilization, and backlog.

· Analyze historical data to improve forecasting accuracy and planning efficiency.

· Maintain and ensure accuracy of planning data within the ERP/MRP system.

· Identify and implement process improvements to enhance scheduling accuracy, reduce lead times, and improve material flow.

· Participate in Lean/CI initiatives to eliminate waste and streamline workflows.

· Support improvements in planning standards, documentation, and system utilization.

· Support long-term capacity planning and resource modeling.

· Collaborate on new product introductions (NPI) to establish initial schedules and material strategies.

· Lead or support complex planning tasks such as multi-plant coordination, large project scheduling, or high-mix/low-volume environments.

Qualifications: 

Required:

· Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Operations, Business, or related field; or equivalent experience

· 4–6+ years of production planning or scheduling experience in a manufacturing environment

· Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and planning tools

· Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to balance competing priorities and respond quickly to changes in demand or capacity

· Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams

Preferred:

· Experience in high-mix, low-volume or engineered-to-order (ETO) production environments

· Advanced knowledge of forecasting, capacity planning, and material planning methods

· Experience with Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies

· Proficiency with advanced Excel functions, Power BI, or planning analytics

· APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) or similar credentials

Skills and Competencies: 

· Planning & Prioritization

· Communication & Collaboration

· Analytical Thinking

· Problem-Solving

· Time Management

· Continuous Improvement

· ERP/MRP Expertise

· Attention to Detail

Work Schedule:
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM 

Pre-Employment Requirements:
Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.