Production Planner - Local candidates only

Production PlannerA Production Planner at Doble-Megger is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing production schedules that support efficient manufacturing operations while ensuring customer requirements are met on time and in full. This role serves as a critical link between customer demand, material availability, production capacity, and operational execution.The Production Planner collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Engineering, Quality, and Warehouse teams to create realistic production plans that optimize resources, improve operational performance, reduce inventory risk, and support business objectives. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to respond quickly to changing business conditions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is located at Doble-Megger's Accident, Maryland facility and reports to the Sr. Project Manager, Operations.Essential Job FunctionsProduction Planning & SchedulingDevelop, maintain, and manage daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on customer demand, forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.Translate customer orders and sales forecasts into executable production plans.Prioritize manufacturing activities to meet delivery commitments and operational objectives.Monitor schedule execution and make adjustments as necessary due to changes in demand, equipment downtime, staffing levels, material shortages, or other constraints.Coordinate production priorities with operations leadership and manufacturing teams.Ensure schedules are achievable while maximizing equipment utilization and workforce productivity.Review production orders for accuracy and timely release to manufacturing.Materials Planning & Inventory ManagementMonitor material availability and collaborate with Procurement to ensure timely delivery of raw materials, components, and packaging materials.Identify material shortages and proactively implement corrective actions to minimize production disruptions.Analyze inventory levels to balance customer service requirements with inventory carrying costs.Recommend inventory strategies to reduce excess inventory, obsolescence, and stockouts.Support inventory accuracy initiatives through cycle counts, inventory audits, and system reconciliations.Partner with warehouse and logistics teams to improve material flow and inventory management processes.Review and maintain planning parameters, including safety stock levels, reorder points, and lead times.Capacity Planning & Resource OptimizationEvaluate manufacturing capacity, labor availability, machine utilization, and production constraints.Develop production plans that maximize available resources while meeting customer requirements.Identify bottlenecks and capacity constraints and recommend corrective actions.Balance workloads across production lines, work centers, and shifts.Work with Operations and Engineering teams to improve throughput and increase production efficiency.Support long-range capacity planning and resource forecasting activities.Demand Management & Forecasting SupportAnalyze sales forecasts, historical demand trends, and customer requirements to support production planning activities.Assist in demand planning and forecast accuracy improvement initiatives.Monitor changes in customer demand and assess impacts on production schedules and inventory requirements.Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to address demand fluctuations and customer priorities.Cross-Functional CollaborationServe as a key liaison between Operations, Procurement, Customer Service, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain functions.Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), production review, and inventory planning meetings.Communicate production priorities, schedule changes, material shortages, and potential risks to stakeholders.Support new product introductions, engineering change requests, and product transitions through effective planning.Coordinate recovery plans during supply chain disruptions or production interruptions.Reporting, Analysis & Continuous ImprovementMonitor and report key operational performance metrics and planning KPIs.Analyze production performance data and identify opportunities for process improvement.Develop reports and dashboards to support operational decision-making.Investigate root causes of schedule variances and implement corrective actions.Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.Recommend improvements in planning systems, processes, and workflows to enhance operational efficiency.Maintain accurate records and ensure data integrity within ERP/MRP systems.QualificationsEducation:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field preferred.Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.Preferred QualificationsAPICS/ASCM certification such as:Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)Lean Manufacturing certification or experience leading continuous improvement projects.Experience with advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems.Knowledge of Six Sigma principles and process improvement tools.Familiarity with KPI dashboards and business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.Required Experience:2-5 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or related disciplines.Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment.Experience analyzing production data and developing production schedules.Preferred Experience (Not Required):Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.Experience supporting S&OP processes.Experience with inventory management and materials planning.Exposure to Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:Strong knowledge of production planning, scheduling, inventory control, and supply chain management principles.Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, Epicor, NetSuite, or equivalent platforms.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, data analysis, and reporting.Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.Ability to analyze large data sets and identify trends impacting operations.Excellent organizational and time management skills.Strong verbal and written communication abilities.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.Ability to influence cross-functional teams and build collaborative relationships.Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.Ability to make informed decisions under pressure while balancing competing priorities.Knowledge of forecasting, demand planning, and capacity planning methodologies.Ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing environments.Frequent use of computers and ERP systems for extended periods.Ability to analyze data and review reports for prolonged durations.Occasional walking through manufacturing, warehouse, and production areas.Ability to attend meetings throughout the facility as required.Ability to comply with all safety requirements when entering production areas, including use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)The Production Planner will be evaluated on the successful achievement of the following performance metrics:Customer Service & DeliveryOn-Time Delivery (OTD)Customer Service LevelsOrder Fulfillment PerformancePlanning & SchedulingSchedule AdherenceProduction Plan AttainmentProduction Schedule StabilityForecast Accuracy SupportInventory ManagementInventory AccuracyInventory TurnsRaw Material AvailabilityExcess and Obsolete Inventory ReductionOperational Efficiency