Job Description
Production Planner
Shift: Mon-Thur 5:00AM-3:30PM & Occasional Fri
The Production Planner is responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing production schedules to ensure efficient utilization of resources and timely delivery of products. This role involves coordinating with various departments, including procurement, manufacturing, and logistics, to maintain a smooth production flow, align with customer requirements, and achieve organizational goals. The Production Planner plays a key role in supporting lean manufacturing initiatives, minimizing waste, and improving overall operational efficiency while adhering to safety and quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and adjust daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules to meet customer demands.
- Use Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to ensure raw material availability aligns with schedules.
- Evaluate production capacity and adjust labor, machinery, or schedules to optimize throughput.
- Monitor and maintain inventory levels to balance production needs and costs effectively.
- Apply lean principles to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
- Collaborate with sales and operations to translate forecasts into actionable production plans.
- Leverage ERP/MRP software for scheduling, inventory management, and performance tracking.
- Troubleshoot production delays caused by equipment failures, labor shortages, or material constraints.
- Coordinate with quality assurance, procurement, and logistics teams to align priorities and resolve conflicts.
- Monitor production costs and recommend strategies to achieve cost-efficiency and reduce waste.
- Ensure production plans meet quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and generate reports to identify trends and improvement areas.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events to optimize operations.
- Train team members on planning tools, processes, and system updates.
- Adapt schedules to accommodate urgent orders, design changes, or unplanned events effectively.
- Support compliance with workplace safety regulations and company environmental policies.
- Align production plans with customer needs, ensuring on-time delivery and high satisfaction.
- Recommend technology upgrades to improve planning efficiency and stay updated on industry trends.
- Contribute to long-term planning by analyzing trends and suggesting capacity or resource adjustments.
- Document and standardize planning processes to establish consistent and efficient operations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Relevant certifications are a plus, such as: APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean Manufacturing Certification.
- Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) software.
- Hands-on experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment, preferably with knowledge of production workflows.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles, including Just-In-Time (JIT), Kanban, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and inventory management practices.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, forecast demand, and make informed decisions.
- Expertise in inventory control and capacity planning.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve production issues efficiently.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Highly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines, attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all planning activities.
- Adaptability to thrive in a dynamic environment with changing demands.
- Prior experience in a production planning role within an assembly or manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of regulatory and quality compliance in manufacturing processes.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
Job Tags
Immediate start, Shift work,