Production Planner I

Job Description

The Production Planner I organizes and executes daily planning activities to support plant production goals, with responsibility for lower to moderate volume operations or product lines This role ensures orders are accurate, schedules are achievable, and materials and documentation move seamlessly between Operations, Sales, Vendors, and Customers. The Planner keeps production on track through strong coordination, keen attention to detail, and proactive communication. In addition, this role upholds core values such as safety, quality, and cross-functional teamwork, serving as a key liaison between customers and vendors.

Role and Responsibilities

Daily Production Planning and Order Management

• Facilitate all activities needed to keep production running smoothly and efficiently.
• Review previous-day orders for accuracy, required documents, shipping details, notes, and special instructions.
• Upload orders to the OTP file and coordinate with Operations to confirm commit dates.
• Identify stock-part discrepancies and coordinate corrections with Sales.
• Process stock orders by printing and distributing picking slips for pick and ship.
• Plan and coordinate Make-to-Order items, including vendor lead times, special processing requirements, purchase orders, receipts, BOM updates, and production order creation.
• Manage Buyout and Direct-Ship items by issuing purchase orders, receiving materials, requesting BOLs, and coordinating with Shipping for order completion.
• Verify NSF-designated orders and coordinate follow-up with Sales, Quality, and Leadership.
• Update commit and request dates in ACU and review daily MRP requirements to generate accurate production orders.
• Monitor transfer requests and coordinate timelines with Operations or the requesting facility.
• Create production moves in ACU and prepare daily production reports for Plant Manager review.

Procurement and Inventory Management

• Procure non-stock raw materials or outside services needed for production.
• Enter purchase order receipts and assist with purchase order closeout.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through material issues, returns, and MRP data entry.
• Support Shipping and Receiving operations as needed.

Communication and Supplier Coordination

• Liaise with Sales regarding order status, progress, delays, and shipment dates.
• Provide supplier performance feedback and contribute to ongoing evaluations.
• Serve as the primary interface between Suppliers and the Production Team to ensure documentation requirements-such as PO acknowledgements, schedules, BOMs, and drawings-are delivered on time.
• Monitor supplier delivery progress to ensure commitments are met and production stays on schedule.

Attainment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Drive maximum efficiency through production order planning.
• Maintain the OTP Key Performance Indicator file.
• Collaborate with Procurement on vendor and supplier scorecards.

Continuous Improvement and Communication

• Recommend process flow improvements to optimize production.
• Communicate effectively across business units, departments, and all levels of management.
• Identify and communicate delivery or product issues to prevent delays on the production floor.
  • Perform other duties that the Production and Plant Manager may assign.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or 5-7 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent of education and experience
• Preferred 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency using Microsoft Suite and ERP systems (experience with Acumatica systems is extremely beneficial); above-average skills in Excel
• Working understanding of 5S, TQM (Total Quality Maintenance), and other LEAN initiatives
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles (Six Sigma)
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Highly detail-oriented with the ability to manage daily planning activities independently
• Knowledge of performance evaluation and basic budgeting concepts
• Experience reporting on key production metrics
• Proven experience in and working knowledge of production planning in lower to moderate volume operations

Preferred Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, forecasting, reporting)
• Advanced knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (Acumatica preferred)
• Strong understanding of production planning, capacity planning, and inventory management
• Experience working with suppliers, procurement, and logistics partners
• Ability to analyze production KPIs and translate data into actionable plans
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Experience supporting or leading continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence across levels
• Strong attention to detail while managing complex, high-volume planning activities

• Ability to manage ambiguity and make decisions that balance customer needs, cost, and capacity

Physical

Ability to walk and stand on the manufacturing production floor as needed.