Production Planner/Scheduler

Production Planner/Scheduler Direct Hire Opportunity

The Planner/Scheduler is responsible for coordinating and scheduling production activities to ensure efficient workflow, on-time delivery, and optimal utilization of labor, equipment, and materials. This role works closely with sales, engineering, purchasing, production, and quality teams to develop and maintain production schedules that align with customer requirements and company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and communicate daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
• Review customer orders, forecasts, and production requirements to determine manufacturing priorities.
• Coordinate production plans with manufacturing, purchasing, inventory control, and engineering departments.
• Monitor work order progress and adjust schedules as needed to address changing priorities, material shortages, equipment downtime, or staffing constraints.
• Ensure raw materials, components, and resources are available to support production schedules.
• Analyze production capacity and identify bottlenecks that may impact delivery commitments.
• Collaborate with Purchasing and Supply Chain teams to expedite critical materials when necessary.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time delivery, schedule adherence, inventory levels, and production efficiency.
• Generate and distribute reports related to production status, backlog, and capacity planning.
• Participate in production meetings and communicate schedule changes to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate data within ERP/MRP systems and ensure work orders are released according to schedule.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, inventory control, and operational efficiency.
• Assist in developing long-term production plans to support business growth and customer demand.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, manufacturing operations, or supply chain management.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of capacity planning and inventory management practices.
• Experience scheduling fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, or industrial manufacturing operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of production planning and scheduling methodologies.
• Ability to interpret production drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing workflows.
• Strong decision-making and project coordination abilities.
• Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.

Performance Metrics Success in this role may be measured by:

• On-time customer delivery performance
• Schedule adherence
• Production throughput
• Inventory accuracy and control
• Capacity utilization
• Reduction in production delays and downtime
• Customer satisfaction and order fulfillment performance

Core Expectations

• Demonstrate commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration across all departments.
• Support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Maintain professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all business activities.