Operations Scheduler

About the Job

The Operations Scheduler is responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining production schedules that ensure efficient workflow across all work centers. This role balances customer demand, material availability, labor capacity, and equipment constraints to support on-time delivery, cost control, and compliance with operational standards.

This position is based out of our Monroe Township, NJ facility 5x a week.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Develop, maintain, and adjust daily, weekly, and long-range production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, production capacity, and material availability.
• Coordinate production schedules across all manufacturing work centers to maximize efficiency and optimize throughput.
• Communicate production schedules and schedule changes to production supervisors and key stakeholders, ensuring alignment across departments.
• Evaluate labor availability, machine capacity, equipment constraints, and production priorities to support effective capacity planning.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Materials Management teams to confirm the availability of raw materials and components required for scheduled production.
• Monitor production progress, identify delays or bottlenecks, and proactively revise schedules to maintain on-time customer deliveries.
• Maintain accurate production scheduling data within the ERP/MRP system.
• Generate and analyze reports related to schedule adherence, production performance, capacity utilization, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with manufacturing leadership to identify scheduling improvements and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support inventory optimization by balancing production requirements with material availability and warehouse capacity.
• Participate in production meetings to communicate priorities, resolve scheduling conflicts, and ensure alignment with business objectives.

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in production scheduling, production planning, manufacturing operations, or a related role.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, work centers, production flow, and scheduling methodologies.
• Ability to interpret demand forecasts, bills of materials (BOMs), routings, and capacity planning data.
• Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to coordinate across multiple departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and production scheduling software.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and perform effectively in a fast-paced, constantly changing manufacturing environment.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401 (k) with a 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
• Referral Program with a cash bonus.
• Access to on-demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.

At Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA), we believe home is at the center of our lives, and our employees are driven by our purpose to nurture happy and healthy homes. Our company is made up of thousands of people across North America, with an emerging footprint across the U.K., Mexico, China, and Canada - all dedicated to helping gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. We are united by our mission to lead the future of the garden and pet industries...one blade of grass and one wagging tail at a time. Visit our website at to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.