Production Scheduler

Job Title: Production Scheduler

Department: Operations / Manufacturing

Reports To: Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Production Scheduler is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing production schedules to ensure customer orders are fulfilled on time while maximizing manufacturing efficiency. This role coordinates closely with Production, Purchasing, Inventory Control, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to balance production capacity, material availability, and customer demand.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on customer orders, forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as necessary to address changing priorities, equipment downtime, material shortages, or staffing constraints.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Inventory teams to ensure raw materials and components are available to support production requirements.
• Collaborate with Production Supervisors and department managers to optimize workflow and resource utilization.
• Review and prioritize work orders to meet customer delivery commitments.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to schedule adherence, on-time delivery, inventory levels, and production efficiency.
• Communicate production schedules and changes to relevant departments.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities for process improvements and increased operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records within ERP/MRP systems.
• Support inventory management initiatives to minimize excess inventory while maintaining service levels.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings related to production planning, demand forecasting, and operational performance.
• Assist in developing contingency plans for supply chain disruptions and production challenges.
• Manage procurement of non-inventory and special-request items, including maintenance supplies, office equipment, tooling, and other operational requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.

Experience

• 25 years of production scheduling, planning, inventory control, or manufacturing operations experience preferred.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of production planning and scheduling principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP software.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and deadlines.
• Ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout a manufacturing facility.
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Success Measures

• On-time production completion.
• Schedule adherence.
• Customer order fulfillment performance.
• Inventory accuracy and optimization.
• Efficient utilization of production resources.
• Reduction in production downtime related to scheduling issues.