Production Planner

The Production Planner is a critical link between production, inventory, and customer fulfillment. Responsible for scheduling, material flow coordination, inventory control, and scrap tracking. The ideal candidate will drive efficient operations by ensuring materials are available when needed, production schedules are met, and operational deadlines are achieved.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Schedule production to meet customer demand and internal operational targets.
• Actively manage production timelines and priorities based on capacity, materials, and order requirements.
• Coordinate with floor supervisors to align daily operations with production plans.
• Monitor and communicate critical production deadlines.
• Track project milestones and proactively adjust plans to meet changing requirements.
• Conduct frequent inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies.
• Monitor and manage raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to ensure availability for scheduled production.
• Ensure timely material movement and replenishment to support production flow.
• Maintain accurate records in ERP or MRP systems.
• Screen customer-bound shipments for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with order specifications.
• Collaborate with shipping and quality teams to resolve any order or packaging issues before dispatch.
• Record, analyze, and report production scrap data.
• Identify trends and collaborate with production and quality teams to minimize waste and improve yield.
• Coordinate and oversee work performed by subcontractors or third-party vendors.
• Ensure subcontracted work aligns with quality standards, timelines, and operational needs.
• Communicate expectations and monitor performance.
• Generate and distribute reports on production progress, inventory status, material usage, and scrap analysis.
• Serve as a liaison between operations, procurement, logistics, and quality teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing operations, preferably in a highly automated manufacturing environment or startup company.
• Strong understanding of production planning principles, lean manufacturing concepts, and supply chain management.
• Proficiency in production planning software and tools, such as ERP systems, MRP systems, and advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights.
• Strong understanding of SIOP processes, and LEAN manufacturing concepts for material flow.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• SAP experience is a plus.
• Primarily works in a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to production floor activities.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand, walk, or move around the floor for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 50 lbs may be required.