Production Planning Analyst

Production Planning Analyst

The Production Planning Analyst supports production planning activities across Universal Stainless' key facilities in Bridgeville, PA, North Jackson, OH, and Dunkirk, NY, with a strong focus on applying Theory of Constraints (TOC) principles to improve flow, reduce lead times, and enhance on-time delivery. In this role, the analyst will help identify system constraints, support schedule execution around those constraints, and assist in balancing material flow across the network. Working closely with senior planners, operations, and cross-functional teams, the analyst contributes to improving throughput while managing inventory levels and maintaining high service performance.

This position is ideal for a professional looking to deepen their understanding of production planning, constraint-based scheduling, and manufacturing operations in a multi-site environment.

This position can be based at any of Universal Stainless' primary locations: Bridgeville, PA, North Jackson, OH, or Dunkirk, NY.

Key Responsibilities:

Flow & Throughput Optimization

• Monitor production flow and work-in-process (WIP) levels to ensure alignment with TOC principles
• Assist in analyzing production data to identify bottlenecks, disruptions, and inefficiencies
• Support actions that improve throughput while minimizing unnecessary inventory buildup

Inventory & Buffer Management

• Support inventory planning efforts with a focus on maintaining appropriate buffers to protect throughput
• Help track and manage key buffer positions (raw material, WIP, and finished goods)
• Assist in balancing inventory levels with production flow and customer service needs

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Maintain accurate production planning and inventory data in ERP systems and Excel-based tools
• Generate reports on constraint performance, schedule adherence, lead times, and on-time delivery
• Help identify trends and provide insights to improve planning effectiveness

Cross-Site Coordination

• Backfill planner roles across multiple manufacturing sites to ensure uninterrupted planning support and business continuity
• Execute documented planning processes, standard work, and scheduling procedures to maintain operational performance during staffing gaps
• Maintain and update planning documentation, work instructions, and process guides to support knowledge retention and cross-training efforts.
• Drive consistency in planning execution by leveraging standardized processes and sharing best practices across locations

Customer Order & Service Support

• Support order fulfillment activities by tracking order progress through the production system
• Assist in identifying orders at risk due to constraint limitations and escalate as needed
• Contribute to improving order visibility and reducing late deliveries

Continuous Improvement (TOC Focused)

• Participate in initiatives to improve system flow, scheduling processes, and constraint management
• Support efforts to standardize planning processes using TOC concepts such as constraint identification, buffer management, and flow optimization
• Build foundational knowledge of TOC methodologies and their application in a metals manufacturing environment

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field
• 2-4 years of experience in production planning, supply chain, or manufacturing operations
• Strong Excel skills (data analysis, formulas, basic modeling)
• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail
• Ability to understand and apply structured problem-solving approaches

Preferred:

• Exposure to Theory of Constraints (TOC) Lean Manufacturing, or capacity planning concepts
• Experience with ERP or production planning systems
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment (metals industry a plus)

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction on the shop floor to understand operations and constraints
• Occasional travel between Bridgeville, North Jackson, and Dunkirk facilities
• Standard business hours with limited off-hours support as needed

Role Characteristics

• Role with strong development focus in constraint-based planning and manufacturing flow
• Opportunity to build expertise in multi-site planning and TOC implementation
• Growth path into Senior Analyst or Production Planner roles with increasing ownership of scheduling and constraint management