Production Planner

Production Planner

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining efficient production schedules that align with manufacturing capabilities and meet customer demand. This role ensures optimal utilization of production assets while maintaining a strong focus on timely order fulfillment. The Production Planner will assess supplier performance in terms of quality and delivery timelines, aligning sourcing decisions with organizational goals. Additionally, this position monitors material flow, proactively identifies potential shortages or bottlenecks, and implements solutions to maintain uninterrupted production operations.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in supply chain management, systems engineering, logistics, business or other relevant field of study required.
• Relevant experience: 5+ years' experience in production, supply chain, Materials Planning, or logistics.
• Skills: Analytical and problem-solving, people, communication and presentation skills.
• Technical Knowledge: Experience as production planner, knowledge of production planning and quality control principles, experience with MRP II (Manufacturing resource planning), knowledge of MS Office (Excel and Power BI) and ERP systems required.

Skills, Traits, and Competencies

• Strong analytical, prioritizing, people and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and change the course of action quickly.
• Ability to work independently as well as be willing to follow directions and best practices.
• Ability to ask appropriate and meaningful questions to gain a clear understanding of technical issues. Use this information to determine the appropriate course of action and the priority level of the issue.
• Multitasking; Can handle multiple projects with changing priorities and frequent interruptions.
• Collaborative; Demonstrates a desire and ability to work well within a team.
• Detail oriented and follow-through skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines, and reporting.
• Exercises professional maturity with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong commitment to quality customer service.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sales, customer service and operations to ensure orders are captured and fulfilled.
• Develop and manage production schedules based on forecasts, inventory levels, and resource availability.
• Maintains a planning horizon of at least one month, preferably 2-3 months of planned work.
• Collaborate with procurement, logistics, and operations to ensure material flow aligns with production needs.
• Responsible for determining, monitoring, and communicating order ship dates, both initially and upon a change that impacts the order.
• Periodically review inventory status and master data in ERP system, report gaps or discrepancies.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate production in a manner that meets customer expectations within accepted published lead times.
• Maintains data around capacity utilization, forecast accuracy, inventory, and schedule attainment.
• Plan and prioritize operational schedules to ensure maximum performance and minimum downtime.
• Establish and/or track Service KPIs such as OTAC, Production Plan Attainment, efficiency, etc.
• Manage raw material master data in variety of systems to ensure accuracy and data quality.
• Automate reporting and enhance business processes to improve planning efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work with raw material planning team to identify raw material risk and ensure supporting MRP systems reflect forecast and demand for products.
• Monitor data input to any Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system or IT system for accuracy and resolve any issues as required.
• Coordinate and conduct regular S&OP reviews.
• Reviews data integrity for the Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Track Inventory Trends and Monitor Inventory against agreed upon target levels, making recommendations based on findings and analysis.
• Communicate with stakeholders sharing reports, updates, and analysis to aid in decision making.
• Collaborate with production, operations, quality control, warehouse and other staff.
• Work with internal departments in the commercialization process to ensure that new items are successfully launched.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a seated position for prolonged periods of time and operate computer equipment
• Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb or balance
• Ability to lift 25 pounds occasionally
• Must be able to work for an extended period in a freezer and non-air-conditioned environment

Vibrant Ingredients Company Overview

Vibrant Ingredients is an industry-leading taste and functional performance ingredient provider dedicated to "improving the food we eat by creating real ingredients from nature that work". Vibrant Ingredients plant-based food and beverage ingredients are designed to deliver flavorful and functional solutions that delight our customers and consumers. A commitment to Real, Simple, Better™ drives our innovation team to discover new on trend solutions. State-of-the-art facilities and customer application centers are strategically located throughout the USA, making customer collaboration simple. Vibrant Ingredients is committed to positively contributing to long-term socioeconomic development, sustainable and ethical business practices, and creating a beneficial and respectful environment for its employees, customers, suppliers, and community. Vibrant Ingredients is privately owned by Ardian and MidOcean Capital and is headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida. For more information, visit

As an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.