Inventory & Production Planner

The Inventory & Production Planner plays a critical, hands‑on role in maintaining accurate inventory levels and ensuring efficient production scheduling within a feed manufacturing plant. This position is responsible for cycle counting, ingredient management, and close collaboration with production, procurement, FSQR, Finance, and Customer Service teams. The role requires a strong presence on the plant floor, attention to detail, and the ability to align inventory accuracy with production planning needs. Key Responsibilities Inventory Management Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts of raw materials, finished goods, and packaging supplies Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, including root‑cause analysis and corrective actions Maintain accurate inventory records in ERP or inventory management systems Monitor ingredient usage, spoilage, and shrinkage; ensure proper stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO) Coordinate and conduct physical inventory counts and audits Work closely with receiving and warehouse teams to verify incoming and outgoing materials Ensure proper labeling, storage, and handling of feed ingredients in compliance with safety and quality standards Production Planning & Scheduling Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules based on demand forecasts, inventory levels, and plant capacity Adjust production plans in real time to accommodate changes in demand, equipment availability, or material shortages Collaborate with procurement to ensure timely availability of ingredients and supplies Communicate production schedules clearly to plant operators and supervisors Track production performance and provide reporting on schedule adherence and efficiency Compliance & Continuous Improvement Partner with FSQR to ensure ingredient traceability and compliance with regulatory requirements Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory accuracy and production efficiency Financial Support Support Finance in annual budget process, specifically in setting COGS and inventory targets Qualifications Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred Experience: 2+ years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or production planning; manufacturing or agriculture/feed industry preferred Knowledge: Strong understanding of inventory management principles and production scheduling Technical Skills: Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel Preferred Qualifications Ability to work in a hands‑on, physically active plant environment Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills Effective communication and teamwork abilities Capable of working on the plant floor in varying temperatures, dust, and noise conditions Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as climbing, bending, and standing for extended periods Ability to wear required PPE while on the floor or required areas (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel‑toed boots at a minimum) #J-18808-Ljbffr