Production Planner

Position Summary

The Production Planner is responsible for creating and managing the short and mediumterm production schedule to ensure customer demand is met efficiently while optimizing capacity, inventory, and resources. This role acts as the bridge between Supply Planning, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality to ensure smooth production execution, timely material availability, and adherence to operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Production Scheduling

• Review Product Availability for Sales Orders
• Contribute to the creation of detailed daily/weekly/monthly production schedules based on demand signals, capacity, material availability, and manufacturing constraints.
• Adjust schedules proactively based on unplanned downtime, shortages, and changing priorities.
• Coordinate with Production Supervisors to validate feasibility and communicate schedule adherence expectations.

Materials & Inventory Coordination

• Ensure raw materials, components, and WIP inventory levels align with planned production.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Warehouse to address material shortages, delays, or quality issues.
• Review and maintain planning parameters (lead times, lot sizes, safety stocks) - master data maintenance

Cross-Functional Communication

• Align frequently with Supply Planning regarding demand changes, risks, and opportunities.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing to support exceptions to plan.
• Communicate changes and impacts clearly to stakeholders.

Execution & Performance Management

• Update ERP/MRP systems to reflect production orders, status changes, and schedule adjustments.
• Monitor key performance metrics such as schedule adherence, production attainment, WIP levels, and capacity utilization.
• Perform root-cause analysis for schedule misses.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in scheduling methodologies, planning accuracy, and shop floor coordination.
• Participate in initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve throughput.
• Maintain documentation, standard work, and planning processes.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 0-3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
• Ability to use ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.).
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across shop floor and leadership levels.

Preferred

• Experience in high-mix/low-volume or regulated industries (life sciences, aerospace, medical devices).
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of capacity planning and constraint-based scheduling.

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail and sense of urgency
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Collaborative and proactive communication
• Analytical reasoning and data interpretation
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Results-oriented mindset

Success Metrics

• High on-time production schedule adherence
• Minimal past-due production orders
• Reduced changeovers and downtime caused by planning issues
• Improved inventory availability and reduced shortages
• Effective cross-functional communication and issue resolution