Production Planner

Production Planner Meriden, CT Compensation Includes Starting Pay Rate of $27.88 - $31.25/hour - depending on experience Overview The Production Scheduler is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules that optimize manufacturing efficiency, meet customer delivery requirements, and maximize the use of available resources. This position serves as a key liaison between Operations, Customer Service, Warehouse, and Supply Chain functions to ensure accurate production planning, effective communication, and achievement of operational objectives. Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities Production Scheduling & Planning Develop, maintain, and distribute daily and weekly production schedules to support customer demand and production capacity Balance customer requirements, machine capacity, labor availability, and inventory need when creating production schedules Sequence production orders to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime, changeovers, and waste Adjust schedules as necessary to address equipment downtime, material shortages, staffing changes, or changing customer priorities Monitor schedule attainment and communicate production priorities to supervisors and operations leadership Coordinate with Operations, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment between production schedules and customer delivery commitments Review production requirements and available capacity to identify potential bottlenecks and recommend solutions Create and maintain production work orders and job packets for manufacturing operations Track production progress throughout the shift and update schedules as needed to ensure efficient workflow Analyze production performance against schedule and identify opportunities for improvement Maintain accurate production planning data within the ERP/MRP system Communicate schedule changes, delays, and production concerns to appropriate stakeholders in a timely manner Support continuous improvement efforts related to scheduling accuracy, production flow, capacity utilization, and operational efficiency Generate reports regarding schedule performance, machine downtime, production output, and schedule attainment Participate in production meetings and provide scheduling recommendations to support operational goals Coordination & Communication Serve as the primary point of contact for production schedule-related questions Work closely with Production Supervisors, Operations Management, Warehouse, Customer Service, and Procurement to resolve scheduling conflicts Escalate material shortages, capacity constraints, and production delays that may impact customer commitments Ensure timely communication of schedule changes to all affected departments Compliance & Food Safety Follow all company safety policies, GMP requirements, SQF requirements, and food safety procedures Ensure production schedules support compliance with established quality, food safety, and operational standards Education & Experience High school degree required, some college preferred 3+ years in a manufacturing environment utilizing a computerized MRP system or equivalent combination of experience and education required Skills & Competencies Technical Skills Proficiency in production scheduling, capacity planning, and manufacturing operations Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and production planning software Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, and forecasting Ability to analyze production data, identify trends, and make data‑driven scheduling decisions Understanding of manufacturing processes, production workflows, and machine capabilities Knowledge of inventory management principles and material flow within a manufacturing environment Analytical & Problem‑Solving Skills Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate multiple variables and competing priorities Ability to identify scheduling conflicts, production constraints, and capacity limitations and develop effective solutions Demonstrated ability to anticipate potential disruptions and proactively adjust production schedules Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy Communication & Collaboration Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to effectively communicate production priorities, schedule changes, and operational concerns to all levels of the organization Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive working relationships across Operations, Customer Service, Warehouse, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams Ability to facilitate discussions and resolve scheduling conflicts in a professional and collaborative manner Organizational & Time Management Skills Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment with changing priorities and deadlines Strong follow‑up skills to ensure timely completion of action items and resolution of issues Ability to maintain accuracy and effectiveness under pressure Core Competencies Planning and Scheduling Excellence Customer Focus Critical Thinking Decision Making Problem Solving Attention to Detail Adaptability and Flexibility Accountability and Ownership Collaboration and Teamwork Continuous Improvement Mindset Sense of Urgency Results Orientation Initiative and Self‑Motivation Preferred Competencies Experience in a high‑volume manufacturing environment Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles Knowledge of SQF, GMP, and food packaging manufacturing requirements Experience supporting production scheduling in a multi‑shift operation Ability to influence without direct authority and drive cross‑functional alignment Working Conditions Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, dust, and industrial equipment Frequent plant floor presence is required Physical Requirements Sitting, Standing, Walking Lifting and Carrying: 0‑25 lbs Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Reaching, Grasping Repetitive Motions May be exposed to heat, cold, dust, dirt, fumes, and noise due to factory settings Benefits With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well‑being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well‑being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well‑being programs may vary depending on where you work. Community Engagement At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work. Training and Development We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non‑Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization. Equal Employment Opportunity Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr