Production Planner

The Inventory & Production Planner plays a critical, hands‑on role in maintaining accurate inventory levels and ensuring efficient production scheduling within a feed manufacturing plant. This position is responsible for cycle counting, ingredient management, and close collaboration with production, procurement, FSQR, Finance, and Customer Service teams. The role requires a strong presence on the plant floor, attention to detail, and the ability to align inventory accuracy with production planning needs.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts of raw materials, finished goods, and packaging supplies
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, including root‑cause analysis and corrective actions
• Maintain accurate inventory records in ERP or inventory management systems
• Monitor ingredient usage, spoilage, and shrinkage; ensure proper stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO)
• Coordinate and conduct physical inventory counts and audits
• Work closely with receiving and warehouse teams to verify incoming and outgoing materials
• Ensure proper labeling, storage, and handling of feed ingredients in compliance with safety and quality standards

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules based on demand forecasts, inventory levels, and plant capacity
• Adjust production plans in real time to accommodate changes in demand, equipment availability, or material shortages
• Collaborate with procurement to ensure timely availability of ingredients and supplies
• Communicate production schedules clearly to plant operators and supervisors
• Track production performance and provide reporting on schedule adherence and efficiency

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with FSQR to ensure ingredient traceability and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory accuracy and production efficiency

Financial Support

• Support Finance in annual budget process, specifically in setting COGS and inventory targets

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred
• Experience: 2+ years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or production planning; manufacturing or agriculture/feed industry preferred
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of inventory management principles and production scheduling
• Technical Skills: Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work in a hands‑on, physically active plant environment
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities
• Capable of working on the plant floor in varying temperatures, dust, and noise conditions
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as climbing, bending, and standing for extended periods
• Ability to wear required PPE while on the floor or required areas (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel‑toed boots at a minimum)