Production Planner

Production Planner

Cooling the Cloud. Protecting the Planet

Nortek Data Center Cooling builds the systems that keep modern data centers running from liquid cooling to large-scale air solutions. Our work supports some of the world's most demanding AI and hyperscale environments, and we solve those challenges with engineering depth and practical execution.

We keep things simple here. We communicate early, stay close to the details, and follow through. When issues come up, we address them directly, not with layers of process. Customers count on us because we do what we say and we keep projects moving.

Our culture is hands-on and collaborative. People take ownership, move quickly, and help each other. If you like working with teammates who are straightforward and accountable, you'll feel at home.

With the backing of Madison Air, we have the scale, stability, and manufacturing footprint to support complex, high-growth programs.

Reports To

Supply Chain Scheduling Manager

Role Summary

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining feasible production schedules that balance customer demand, capacity, inventory targets, and operational constraints. This role acts as the central integrator between Sales, Operations, Procurement, and Manufacturing to ensure on-time delivery, stable production flow, and optimal inventory levels.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain master production schedules (MPS) aligned with demand forecasts, customer orders, and inventory strategies
• Translate sales forecasts and firm orders into executable production plans
• Optimize schedules to balance capacity, labor, materials, and equipment constraints
• Sequence production orders to minimize changeovers, downtime, and waste
• Maintain planning parameters (lead times, lot sizes, safety stock) in ERP/MRP systems

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Procurement to align priorities and resolve conflicts
• Participate in S&OP / IBP processes, providing schedule feasibility and capacity insights
• Communicate schedule changes, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to stakeholders

Inventory & Material Alignment

• Ensure production plans support inventory targets for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
• Collaborate with purchasing to align production schedules with supplier lead times and constraints
• Proactively identify material shortages or excess risks and recommend mitigation actions

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze KPIs such as schedule adherence, on-time delivery, inventory turns, and capacity utilization
• Identify root causes of schedule disruptions and drive corrective actions
• Support lean, continuous improvement, and system optimization initiatives
• Maintain accurate master data to ensure planning integrity

Key Metrics for Success

• Schedule adherence / plan attainment
• Customer on-time-in-full (OTIF)
• Inventory turns and excess/obsolete inventory
• Capacity utilization
• Forecast-to-plan alignment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 37 years of experience in production planning, master scheduling, or manufacturing supply chain
• Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, JD Edwards, etc.)
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, scenario analysis)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP)
• Experience supporting S&OP / IBP processes
• Experience in a multi-product, variable-demand manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles

Critical Skills & Competencies

• Ability to balance competing priorities and make tradeoff decisions
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Attention to data accuracy and detail
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, changing environments
• Influential without direct authority

Nortek Data Center Cooling is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nortek Air Management and its divisions offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HAS and 401(k) Plan with company contributions.