Production Planner

Sr. Production PlannerLocation: New Orleans, LA, USThe ASR Group® family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.OverviewThe Sr. Production Planner is a critical role on the Distribution Team, they provide analysis, decision-making, and planning in support of the order fulfillment process in the footprint under his/her responsibility. They are responsible for taking the overall planned needs of the organization and breaking them down into increments that can be met based on machine capacities, labor availability, machine availability and any other unforeseen operational constraints. A key aspect of this role is to actively participate in Distribution projects, inter-departmental projects and help drive towards achieving corporate strategic goals. This position can serve as a back-up role to the Distribution Manager when needed and provides developmental leadership opportunities to enhance career progression.Detailed Roles & ResponsibilitiesConduct analysis and provide recommendations for Supply Chain cost-reduction and continuous improvement opportunities.Lead or participate in project teams to plan and execute Strategic Initiatives.Develop and/or improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including cross-functional process mapping and streamlining activities.Lead effort to incorporate advanced scheduling tools and optimize production planning process.Allocate available sugar by deciding which lines run based on machine availability, customer priority and product profitability.Create weekly production plan that will maximize line efficiency and order fulfillment, while mitigating replenishment freight expense.Review Open Orders daily, identify inventory deficits, and adjust production plan as required, with a focus on order management and service levels.Determine inventory location for products being made; retain in refinery warehouse or ship to 3PL warehouses.Facilitate scheduling tradeoffs (efficiency / order completeness) when existing production and inventory capacity cannot meet customer demand.Create and maintain production orders in SAP per production schedule.Review actual vs planned production, communicate significant supply gaps and risks to Operations, Customer Service and Planning, and coordinate resolutions.Primary source of contact for Customer Service inquiries as related to order fulfillment status.Collaborate with MRP / Purchasing on packaging requirements to accomplish production schedule.Consult with Distribution Manager on customer order placement to address trade-offs of 3PL inventory consumption vs direct from manufacturing plant shipments.Coordinate execution of planned downtime (equipment overhauls / capital projects) across Operations and Planning.Coordinate reverse logistics tasks for non-conforming products.Support Planning on new product rollout by conducting capacity analysis, components planning, risk assessment and implement action plans.Work ExperiencesMinimum of 5 years experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Planning or related field. SAP experience required. Previous project management, process improvement, and / or project execution experience.Education RequirementsBS degree in Supply Chain, Business, or Operations, or equivalent related experience. MS degree preferred. APICS certification a plus.Essential Capabilities (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes)Proficiency with MS Office required. Decision maker with strong analytical and negotiation skills. Strong leadership, organizational and communication skills in a cross-functional role. Attention to detail with the ability to multitask and prioritize. Customer and Stakeholder focused. Excellent interpersonal relationship skills focusing on teamwork and collaboration within all levels of the business. Ability to derive solutions, provide recommendations and make decisions with limited information. Self-motivated, enthusiastic and proactive. Ability to quickly learn inter-departmental business processes. Demonstrated ability to understand issues, develop plans and set metrics to measure progress towards goals. Able to handle day to day tactical concerns while staying on course with long term strategic targets.We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.