Production Planner

The Production Planner reports to the Production Supervisor. The position is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing production schedules across multiple manufacturing production lines. The Master Production Planner works closely with Production, Quality, Logistics, and Purchasing to ensure materials, components, work orders, and production resources are available to meet customer and internal deadlines. This position plays a key role in reducing production backlogs, improving schedule adherence and on-time delivery, identifying production constraints, and continuously improving the company’s production planning and scheduling processes. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Production Planning & Scheduling Create, update, and maintain daily and weekly production schedules based on customer orders, inventory levels, production capacity, and operational priorities. Review MRP requirements and production demand to ensure work orders are properly planned and scheduled. Maintain accurate production lead-time and capacity-planning information. Identify scheduling conflicts, capacity constraints, and potential delivery risks and proactively develop solutions. Work Order & MRP Management Ensure work orders accurately reflect production requirements, quantities, priorities, and required completion dates. Verify that required materials, components, and production requirements are identified before work orders are released. Identify discrepancies or missing information that could affect production and coordinate resolution with the appropriate departments. Review and verify Bills of Materials (BOMs) and production requirements to support accurate work-order planning. Material Planning & Availability Coordinate material availability with Purchasing and Logistics teams to support the production schedule. Identify material shortages & proactively communicate potential impacts to production schedules. Work with Purchasing and Logistics to establish priorities and resolve material constraints. Monitor material availability and identify potential shortages before they impact production. Coordinate material priorities based on customer requirements, production schedules, and operational priorities. Production Execution & Coordination Communicate production schedules, priorities, schedule changes, and constraints to Production Supervisors and other cross-functional teams. Work closely with Production to address scheduling issues, delays, and changing priorities. Track production job progress and adjust schedules as needed to meet production and customer deadlines. Collaborate with Logistics to support shipping schedules and customer delivery commitments. Backlog & Production Performance Management Monitor production backlog and prioritize past-due and high-priority work orders. Work with Production to develop and execute plans to reduce production backlogs and improve schedule adherence. Identify bottlenecks, delays, capacity constraints, and other issues affecting production. Escalate issues that may impact customer commitments and develop recovery plans. Monitor production performance against established schedules and identify trends that may affect future production requirements. Analyze production planning and scheduling data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, capacity utilization, lead times, schedule adherence, and on-time delivery. Identify and implement improvements to production planning, scheduling, MRP, and work-order processes. Qualifications: 4+ years of experience in production planning, materials coordination, or scheduling in a manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of BOMs, work orders, and material flow. Experience with ERP/MRP systems (any system is acceptable; CITEL will train on internal tools). Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, basic formulas). Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands Has attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate planning and scheduling information. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management or equivalent Experience in electronics manufacturing, assembly operations, or component production. Experience with wire harnesses, PCBs, or similar technical manufacturing processes. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles. Prior experience in a growing or rapidly changing production environment. Why Join Us? Our new RTP facility represents the future of CITEL in the U.S. a growing team, high-tech manufacturing, and a culture rooted in collaboration and innovation. The Raleigh-Durham area offers access to world-class talent, strong infrastructure, affordable housing, and an unbeatable quality of life. Be part of a company that’s protecting critical systems, supporting clean energy, and growing with purpose. Competitive salary and performance bonus Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off and company holidays Equal Opportunity Employer CITEL considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or sexual orientation. All applicants will be considered solely on the basis of their qualifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Citel USA