Production Planner & Scheduler

Production Planner & Scheduler

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining the production plan for dairy processing and packaging operations to ensure efficient utilization of raw milk, ingredients, labor, and processing capacity while meeting customer demand and regulatory requirements.

Under the direction of the Sr. Director of Operations, this role supports forecasting, milk balancing, and production scheduling across processing, packaging, laboratory, and warehouse functions ensures that raw milk supply is converted into finished dairy products in a manner that maximizes yield, minimizes product loss, and maintains compliance with food safety, quality, and traceability requirements under the SQF Food Safety Management System.

The role requires strong coordination across departments to align milk supply, ingredient availability, packaging materials, storage capacity, and code-date limitations with customer commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Maintain the Master Production Plan for dairy processing and packaging operations based on demand forecasts, raw milk supply, processing capacity, and inventory levels.
• Generate and distribute daily and weekly production schedules to Processing, Packaging, Laboratory, Warehouse, and Blow Mold departments.
• Release production orders and manufacturing work orders through the ERP system to support execution of the production plan.
• Communicate schedule changes promptly to all affected departments to prevent production delays, material shortages, or excess inventory.

Milk Balancing & Yield Management

• Plan production schedules to balance daily raw milk intake with finished product requirements, ensuring optimal utilization of available milk components.
• Coordinate processing plans to support efficient fat, protein, and solids utilization across product lines.
• Monitor production yields and identify opportunities to improve milk utilization and minimize product loss or shrink.
• Work with Processing, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure production runs support optimal yield recovery and product specifications.
• Align production plans with storage capacity and shelf-life/code-date constraints typical in fluid and cultured dairy products.

Forecasting & Inventory Management

• Maintain forecasts for finished goods, raw milk requirements, ingredients, and packaging materials including bottles, caps, and labels.
• Continuously monitor demand forecasts and adjust production plans to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Review ERP system generated manufacturing orders for accuracy prior to release.
• Monitor on-hand inventory levels and coordinate with procurement and warehouse teams to ensure materials are available to support scheduled production.
• Support verification of inventory accuracy through cycle counts and reconciliation activities.

ERP System & Production Control

• Utilize the ERP system to:
  • Generate and manage production schedules
  • Track inventory levels and material requirements
  • Release, monitor, and close production orders
  • Maintain accurate production and planning records
• Generate operational reports related to schedule adherence, inventory levels, and production planning performance.
• Support reporting that assists operations and finance with performance analysis and operational decision-making.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Processing, Packaging, Quality, Warehouse, and Logistics teams to ensure alignment between the production plan and operational execution.
• Communicate regularly with Customer Service and Sales regarding order fulfillment status and any potential production or supply constraints.
• Coordinate with Quality and Laboratory teams to ensure product testing and release timelines are incorporated into production schedules.
• Maintain strong working relationships across departments to support smooth operational flow.

Food Safety, Quality & SQF Compliance

The Production Planner plays an active role in supporting the facility's SQF Food Safety and Quality Management System.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining production planning processes that support full lot traceability of raw milk, ingredients, packaging materials, and finished products.
• Ensuring production schedules support proper product rotation and code-date management to minimize food safety risks.
• Maintaining accurate production records and documentation required for SQF compliance and audit verification.
• Supporting the Approved Supplier Program by coordinating material planning with approved vendors.
• Ensuring biosecurity, food defense, and food safety procedures are considered in production scheduling and material movement.
• Reporting food safety or quality concerns to personnel with authority to initiate corrective actions.
• Serving as backup for other Production Control personnel responsible for SQF documentation and planning records when required.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred

Experience

• 3 years of experience in production planning, and scheduling.
• Experience in food manufacturing or dairy processing strongly preferred
• Experience using ERP or MRP systems.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
• Experience with production scheduling systems and inventory planning
• Strong numerical and analytical skills related to forecasting and production planning
• Understanding of manufacturing inventory management and material flow

Core Competencies

• Production Planning & Forecasting
• Milk Balancing and Yield Optimization
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Analytical Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail and Documentation Accuracy
• Effective Communication
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and manufacturing plant environment
• Frequent interaction with production personnel and operational leadership
• Exposure to varying noise levels and temperature conditions common in dairy processing and warehouse areas

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to navigate all areas of the facility, including office spaces, warehouse areas, and the exterior perimeter.

· Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary to safely perform job duties.

· Ability to stand, sit, and carry out tasks throughout a full shift, with appropriate meal breaks.

· Physically capable of standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and crouching as needed.

· Able to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier objects with reasonable accommodations.

· Visual acuity sufficient to perform job duties accurately.

· Capable of assessing weights, judging distances, and working at various heights.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, onsite a7m-4pm. Exact hours to be determined with Sr. Director of Operations. Off-shift availability necessary (on occasion) to support a 24/7/365 operation.

Compensation:

At Cayuga Milk Ingredients, we value a fair and comprehensive approach to compensation. Our wage range for this role is determined by various factors, including skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. It is not typical for an employee to start at or near the top of the range for the position. Compensation decisions are made based on individual job circumstances considering skill level, previous experience, and education requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cayuga Milk Ingredients is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing their own pay or the pay of others. However